-
Hammer horror: West Ham's Carlton Cole reacts to fans during a pitch invasion after a penalty goal against Millwall - Source: Reuters -
Related
West Ham survived a Carling Cup scare at the hands of fierce London rivals Millwall on Wednesday in a clash that was overshadowed by disturbing fan violence during and after the game.
Playing some fantastic football, League Two side Millwall got within three minutes of knocking their bitter London rivials out of the competition after being given a first-half lead by forward Neil Harris.
But an 87th-minute equaliser from West Ham's Junior Stanislas sent the tie into extra-time and a second goal from Stanislas - from the penalty spot, and a Zavon Hines strike - wrapped up a 3-1 win for the Hammers in impressive fashion.
But the win was all but forgotten after a man was stabbed as violence erupted between fans outside Upton Park.
A pitch invasion also occurred inside the ground after the final whistle leaving West Ham players looking worried.
Several hundred supporters are reported to have clashed outside the ground - throwing bottles and bricks and starting fires as police moved in to control the crowds.
The two sides, who were the inspiration for the 2005 film Green Street Hooligans, have long has a history of violence, with a police spokesman saying it looked as though their had been some 'planned trouble from fans.'
A 44-year-old man is reported to be in a stable condition in hospital after being stabbed in the chest -with the incident coming just days after West Ham defender Calum Davenport was stabbed in an unrelated incident.
Burnley win again
Meanwhile, in the other results, last season's surprise semi-finalists Burnley - who have enjoyed a great start to the their Premier League campaign - beat third divison Hartlepool 2-1 after extra time.
All of the Premier League sides in action avoided upsets. Blackburn Rovers won 3-1 at Gillingham, struggling Portsmouth beat Hereford 4-1, Bolton Wanderers won 1-0 at Tranmere Rovers and Birmingham City defeated Southampton.
Hull City triumphed against Southend United while Wolverhampton Wanderers needed penalties to overcome Swindon Town after a 0-0 draw.
