Millwall and West Ham arrest update after 400 police officers deployed to heated London derby

A total of six arrests were made after 400 police officers were sent to patrol a heated London derby between Millwall and West Ham on Saturday.

The Met Police threw a “ring of steel” at The Den on Saturday, to ensure there was no repeat of the violence which has marred this fixture in previous seasons.

The force said the match took place “without significant disruption” across south east London, adding a total of six arrests were made as of 4pm on Saturday.

Offences included tailgating, assault on a police officer, and entering or attempting to enter a stadiium while intoxicated.

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The Met Police threw a “ring of steel” at The Den on Saturday, to ensure there was no repeat of the violence which has marred this fixture in previous seasons. (Getty)

A Met Police spokesman said: “Thank you to our officers on the ground, as well as partners at Millwall FC and West Ham FC, who worked to ensure the Dockers Derby took place without significant disruption across south east London – allowing attending fans to enjoy the match safely.

“A total of six arrests have taken place as of 4pm on Saturday, 19 September. Offences include tailgating, assault on a police officer, and entering or attempting to enter a stadium while intoxicated. All remain in custody.

“As a reminder, a Section 35 dispersal order remains in place until 23:59hrs tonight, allowing officers to remove anyone causing disorder. It will cover the area shown on the map.

Our Live Facial Recognition deployment in London Bridge resulted in three arrests, including one man who was arrested on suspicion of possession with intent to supply class A drugs and possession of a bladed article. None of these were related to football.”

West Ham came from two goals down to snatch a 2-2 draw during the heated London derby.

Mounted police and officers with riot helmets outside South Bermondsey train station as fans travel through the station following the Millwall v West Ham United English Football League Championship game at The Den, in London, Britain, September 19, 2026. REUTERS/Chris J. Ratcliffe (Reuters)

The Lions were leading at half-time through goals from Caleb Taylor and Camiel Neghli but the visitors hit back through Mohamadou Kante and Konstantinos Mavropanos.

The Hammers, who made the short trip across the Thames sitting top of the Championship and looking for a fifth straight win, finished their first meeting with their fierce rivals since 2012 with 10 men after Kante saw red.

West Ham striker Taty Castellanos was accused of spitting at Millwall goalkeeper Filip Marschall during the 2-2 derby draw at The Den.

Marschall lodged a complaint with the match officials, including Premier League referee Paul Tierney, after the incident in the 65th minute.

With West Ham trailing 2-0, Argentinian Castellanos came to close down Marschall as he held on to the ball.

The players clashed and then Marschall, on his Championship debut, appeared to point at his shirt, gesturing that he had been spat at.

Lions boss Alex Neil said: “I haven’t asked him about it, but it’s like anything else, I’m sure there’ll be footage of it, or not of it if it didn’t happen.

Hammers boss Nuno Espirito Santo said: “I’m aware of the allegation, I didn’t see the images, I didn’t speak with Taty.

“I cannot go much further on that, I’m sorry. For me to answer that, I have to see it. I’m going to look at the images. I cannot answer.”