News

Police cordon and protection for Hammers fans

|

West Ham fans travelling to see their side play Olympiacos will receive extra police protection

West Ham fans  will be surrounded by police following the last Olympiacos game being abandoned when an opposition player was struck by a firecracker.

The Greeks entertained  Panathinaikos in a warm up at the weekend but the game between the old enemies was stopped as a visiting defender as struck while preparing for action as a possible sub and was taken to hospital.

A compulsory coach convoy with a police escort will be the only way into the stadium and it will meet n three hours before kick-off.

Athens police say the protocols must be observed warning that those not using them may be turned away.

Rigorous body searches will also be conducted and away supporters will be locked in for half an hour at the end of the game.

 UEFA have allowed Olympiacos and Panathinaikos to both play at home in the Europa League on Thursday, with the latter hosting Rennes approximately seven miles away.

Share this article

Hugh Southon is a lifelong Iron and the founding editor of ClaretandHugh. He is a national newspaper journalist of many years experience and was Bobby Moore's 'ghost' writer during the great man's lifetime. He describes ClaretandHugh as "the Hammers daily newspaper!"

Follow on Twitter @hughsouthon