Millwall vs West Ham: Huge police presence at derby as officers get special stop and search powers to stop trouble

The Met Police has brought in enhanced stop and search powers in a bid to try and stop violence erupting between rival fans at the Millwall v West Ham derby.

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.

Mounted Police before the Sky Bet Championship match at the The Den, London. Picture date: Saturday September 19, 2026.

PA

Multiple police vans were pictured, along with mounted officers on patrol.

Officers are wearing riot gear, though without shields.

Dog units and live facial recognition cameras are also being 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.

While the police has also announced a Section 60 order has been authorised for the fixture.

It gives police enhanced powers to stop and search people and vehicles without the usual requirement of reasonable suspicion. It will be in force until 8pm.

Police on horses patrol the outside of the stadium

Getty

Police with riot helmets before the Sky Bet Championship match at the The Den

PA

Rival fans have been be told to use specific Tube and rail stations on Saturday in an attempt to keep supporters of the two clubs apart.

PA

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).”

The area of south east London covered by the Met Police’s dispersal order

Met Police

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.