West Ham announce increased police presence at London stadium

There was pandemonium on Saturday, as West Ham fans demonstrated their anger at the club's owners with a series of protests in their home ground. There were four pitch invasions from fans, one of which ended with Mark Noble tussling with a West Ham supporter.

Fans also protested directly towards the owners, throwing missiles at the directors' box where the club's chiefs David Sullivan and David Gold were sat. The pair had to be escorted from the ground, while Burnley allowed young fans to shelter on their bench as fighting broke out in the stands.

The stadium has announced new powers that will allow them to restrict the ground, or even close it completely to supporters. They also announced that the MET Police will be present inside and outside the ground when the side face Southampton, and said that they were in the process of handing out lifetime bans to fans who were involved in the troubles at the weekend. Furthermore, there will be more security guards and stewards present.

The following statement was released: "Following reassurances that have been given, it is the SAG's (Stadium Advisory Group's) view that the council does not need to use the ultimate sanction, which would see capacity reduced at the venue and spectators excluded. The remaining homes games will be closely monitored."

"The SAG must make clear that in the event of future disorder, it would seriously consider advising the certifying authority to take forward this sanction. Playing behind closed doors would be a great shame for the majority of fans who wish to watch and support their team in safety."