400 riot-ready officers deployed as Millwall host West Ham in first derby for 14 years

The Metropolitan Police are mounting one of the largest security operations seen at an English second-tier fixture as Millwall host West Ham at The Den on Saturday, 19 January, in the clubs’ first meeting since February 2012.

Some 400 officers will be deployed across east London, dressed in riot gear but without shields — approximately four times the 60 to 150 officers typically assigned to a Championship match. The Met has also been granted a Section 35 dispersal order, giving police the power to remove anyone deemed to be causing disorder in the surrounding area.

The dispersal zone covers a stretch of nearly five miles along the south bank of the Thames, running from Tower Bridge in the west to beyond Greenwich Park in the east, and extending south as far as Ladywell station.

“We want fans to enjoy the match safely and have worked with both clubs to help this happen,” the Met said in a statement. Officers also reminded supporters that entering a ground while intoxicated is strictly prohibited under the Sporting Events Act 1985.

The precautions reflect a troubled history between the two sets of supporters. Their 2009 Carling Cup tie ended with one man being stabbed, and their last Championship encounter in February 2012 — a 2-1 West Ham victory — was marked by pitch invasions.

West Ham have issued specific travel instructions to their supporters, directing them to use South Bermondsey station, served by regular trains from London Bridge, rather than other local stops. Fans arriving at alternative stations will be turned away and redirected.

West Ham head into the fixture top of the Championship on goal difference, adding a competitive edge to what is already one of the most charged derbies in the London football calendar.