City of London Police have implemented a second dispersal order in connection with the Millwall vs West Ham east London derby on Saturday. The move follows a similar Section 35 order declared by the Metropolitan Police around The Den and nearby neighbourhoods.
Dispersal orders in place for derby day
The two east London clubs meet at Millwall's home ground for the first time since 2012, with kick-off at 12:30pm on Saturday (September 19). The Metropolitan Police's Section 35 order grants officers the authority to instruct people to vacate a public area within a specified zone.
"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," said the Met. "A Section 35 dispersal order will also be in place, allowing officers to remove anyone causing disorder."
City of London order covers Square Mile and bridges
City of London Police have now put in place a second Section 35 order, covering the Square Mile and several bridges spanning the Thames. A spokesperson for City of London Police said: "To assist the policing operation around the Millwall v West Ham match, from 8am today, we're putting a S35 order in place. If someone is contributing to crime, disorder or anti-social behaviour, they can be told to leave and not return for a specified period. It lasts until 8pm."
First meeting in 14 years
Saturday's match marks the first meeting between the two clubs in 14 years and the 100th competitive match between the east London rivals. West Ham enter the derby as favourites, leading the early Championship standings after relegation from the Premier League last term. Millwall, defeated in the play-off semi-finals last campaign, occupy twelfth place after seven fixtures.
