Ex-hooligan calls for ban on away fans at Millwall and West Ham games

Cass Pennant, a prominent former football hooligan whose life was the subject of a film, has proposed that away supporters should be prohibited from attending matches involving Millwall and West Ham. Pennant, who was heavily involved with the Inter City Firm, detailed his views in his book, 'You're Going Home in a F***ing Ambulance: Hooligan Wars, The Inside Story'.

Historical Rivalry and Violence

The rivalry between Millwall and West Ham is described as one of the most intense in English football. Pennant stated in his book that the two sets of fans should 'NEVER meet' and that banning away fans is the only solution to prevent further trouble. He noted that while fan bases are changing, the historical animosity means that whenever the clubs are drawn together, there will always be 'scores to settle'.

The intensity of the derby was highlighted during a 2009 Carabao Cup match at Upton Park, where Millwall supporters were involved in three pitch invasions. Before the game, a 44-year-old Millwall supporter was stabbed. Former West Ham goalkeeper Rob Green recalled the match, stating that Millwall fans ripped up chairs and metal seat frames to throw onto the pitch, describing the atmosphere as 'venomous hatred' and that 'nothing about that game felt safe'.

The bad blood between the East End club and their south London rivals has endured for decades. The article details fatal consequences stemming from the rivalry. In 1976, Millwall supporter Ian Pratt died after falling beneath a train during clashes with West Ham fans near New Cross. Leaflets were later distributed bearing his photograph with the message: 'A West Ham fan must die next week to avenge him'.

Further tragedy occurred in 1987 when Terry Burns, a 19-year-old West Ham supporter, was fatally stabbed at Embankment Station by individuals suspected to be Millwall fans. Both clubs have origins in London's East End, but Millwall's relocation south of the river did not diminish the hostility.

Current Context

The comments by Pennant come as Millwall prepare to host West Ham in a Championship fixture. In the current league standings, West Ham are at the top of the Championship, with Millwall in 11th place, four points behind.