UPDATE - The Columbus Crew issued the following statement regarding an altercation that took place at Crew Stadium during halftime of Sunday’s exhibition between West Ham United and the Crew which has been exaggerated in at least one news report:
“While a skirmish among a very small group of West Ham and Crew supporters did occur on Sunday, media reports referring to it as a “brawl” or “fights” are gross mischaracterizations. The incident was initiated by the actions of three West Ham supporters who entered the Crew supporters section at halftime. Crew Stadium security intervened and immediately began to escort those West Ham supporters to the concourse, at which time several Crew supporters became involved. On the concourse, Columbus Police quickly assumed control of the situation and made one arrest. Three other attendees were ejected by stadium security at that time. Supporters of both clubs were gathered on the concourse during the altercation, but nearly all of them were bystanders or onlookers and not active participants. Order was restored within minutes, prior to the beginning of the second half of play. Although it was a minor incident, the reputation of our organization and our fans is extremely important to us and as soccer’s popularity continues to grow, we will continue to make every effort to ensure that our fans have a safe and enjoyable experience when they visit Crew Stadium.”
This stuff is never good to see and surely Garber is going to look closely at this, especially with West Ham going up to Toronto for the All-Star game on Thursday.
A halftime brawl between more than 100 fans marred an exhibition match Sunday between West Ham United of the English Premier League club and the MLS’ Columbus Crew.
The fights (our boy Crewfighter had a birds eye view), which overshadowed West Ham United’s 3-1 win, began when a handful of West Ham supporters, some wearing the team’s claret and blue colors, entered the northeast corner of the stadium where the Crew’s most boisterous supporters typically gather….
The Columbus Dispatch also has a report.
Image via USA Today
