Metropolitan Police officers will be deployed at London Stadium, home of English Premier League football club West Ham United, for the first time next week for the EFL Cup game against Chelsea, according to Sky Sports.
The UK broadcaster, citing sources familiar with the matter, reported that a temporary ‘Airwave’ radio system has now been fitted at the 57,000-capacity stadium to allow officers to communicate with one another during games.
The Metropolitan Police last month turned down a request from West Ham to help marshal the ground, pointing to the lack of a “satisfactory” radio system. The club had made the plea after trouble broke out during the home game against Watford on September 10.
Chelsea will take 5,200 fans to the EFL cup clash, which takes place on October 26. Chelsea last week declared itself unhappy after its ticket allocation was reduced by 500 due to safety concerns at London Stadium. Under competition rules, away teams can claim up to 10 per cent of a stadium’s capacity for tickets for their own supporters and so Chelsea had requested 5,700 tickets.
However, West Ham is currently restricted to hosting 5,200 opposition fans at London Stadium due to infrastructure issues.
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