The Met Police has carried out six arrests following today’s Millwall v West Ham derby, as the force used enhanced stop and search powers to prevent violence erupting.
The force has employed 400 officers in a bid to clamp down on troublemakers looking to stir up clashes at the game, the first time the two London clubs have met for 14 years.
It has introduced a Section 60 order for the fixture. giving the officers enhanced powers to stop and search people and vehicles without the usual requirement of reasonable suspicion. It will be in force until 8pm.
A Met Police spokesman said: “Thank you to our officers on the ground, as well as partners at Millwall and West Ham football clubs, 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, September 19. 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."
Earlier, a heavy police presence was seen in the streets around The Den, Millwall’s ground in south east London, ahead of the match on Saturday lunchtime.
While officers are being employed to prevent violence after the game, that finished 2-2.
Multiple police vans have been pictured, along with mounted officers on patrol.
Officers have worn riot gear, though have not been carrying shields.
Dog units and live facial recognition cameras have also been deployed as part of the large-scale police operation.
Police are yet to provide details of any arrests.
Around 60 to 150 officers normally police games in the Championship.
But the force has roughly quadrupled the number of police for the game in anticipation there may be thugs looking to start trouble.
A Section 60 order has been authorised for today’s fixture of @MillwallFC vs @WestHam. This gives police enhanced powers to stop and search people and vehicles without the usual requirement of reasonable suspicion.
— Metropolitan Police (@metpoliceuk) September 19, 2026
This will cover the area shown on the map and will run until… pic.twitter.com/02ToN5C8HJ
Ahead of the match, the Met had already introduced enhanced powers to disperse anyone causing disorder.
These dispersal orders are used for matches with fierce rivalry between clubs, such as the north London derby between Arsenal and Spurs.
Rival fans were told to use specific Tube and rail stations on Saturday in an attempt to keep supporters of the two clubs apart.
The Met posted on X: “On Saturday, 19 September at 12:30hrs, @MillwallFC face @WestHam at the Den – the first time the two clubs have met since 2012.
“We want fans to enjoy the match safely and have worked with both clubs to help this happen.
“As with any fixture, the Sporting Events Act 1985 is in place, which means entering or attempting to enter a ground while intoxicated is strictly prohibited.
“A Section 35 dispersal order will also be in place, allowing officers to remove anyone causing disorder. It will cover this area (below).”
Violence has erupted at past games between Millwall and West Ham.
Former West Ham boss Harry Redknapp argued for the two clubs to be kept apart in cup games after the Carling Cup tie between the London rivals in 2009.
One man was stabbed and the match itself was interrupted on three occasions by fans invading the pitch.
The match is the first league meeting between the two clubs since February 2012, when West Ham won 2-1 in the Championship.
