WEST HAM: Men in court over football violence (From East London and West Essex Guardian Series)

WEST HAM: Men in court over football violence

4:33pm Friday 27th November 2009

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A TOTAL of 22 more people have appeared before magistrates in Stratford charged in connection with violence at the West Ham/Millwall tie in August.

Nine pleaded guilty and the remaining 13 will appear in court again in January next year.

DCI Richard Tucker, heading the investigation into the clashes, said: "The level of disorder witnessed that night was absolutely unacceptable and not at all in the spirit of what football matches are all about.

“We are not talking about minor offences here, but a hardcore of individuals who were intent on causing violence and destruction.”

Since August, a total of 65 people have been arrested, 51 have been charged, five are on bail pending further enquiries, three received a juvenile reprimand or warning, and six were released with no further action.

In court today, those who pleaded guilty to charges including pitch invasion and violent disorder received three-year match bans and £150 fines.

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