Taxpayers have been collared with a £500,000 bill for additional security at West Ham’s ground in 2022 that was needed due to “issues with fan behaviour”.
The figures were revealed on Thursday by the London Legacy Development Corporation - which owns London Stadium, where the Hammers have played their home matches since 2016 after a controversial deal was struck.
Lyn Garner, of the corporation, told a London Assembly meeting that extra stewarding was needed at the club’s continental matches because of hooliganism. This included fans of Belgian club Anderlecht removing seating during a clash in October and throwing the chairs at the home side, an incident that needed intervention from riot police.
West Ham have paid for damage to the seating and stadium toilets but will not need to pay for the extra stewarding and police presence, unlike most clubs, because of their agreement as a tenant.
Last year they paid an extra £185k towards costs - despite making £12million from their cup run in European competitions in 2021-22. They pay £4million rent a year to use the former Olympic stadium - which has, since 2012, also been used to host American sports, concerts and, on an on/off-basis, its original function of athletics. The Diamond League will return to the stadium next year, although British Athletics is rumoured to be considering a deal to walk away from the Stratford venue.
Susan Hall, the assembly’s lead member from the Conservative Party, said: “It is concerning that not only has there been an increase in issues with fan behaviour at West Ham, but that London taxpayers may have to foot the bill for this.”
Ms Garner said the stadium will generate more revenue from next year with US sports again set to return while she added that naming rights could be up for grabs to bring in an extra £2million a year.
Chris Wheal, of the West Ham United Supporters' Trust, said there had been no trouble from home fans - adding that Anderlecht had paid for the damage caused to the seats.
He added: “An average of 62,450 fans attend London Stadium matches. Hooliganism is not a feature of football and certainly not at West Ham.”
