The Metropolitan Police are mounting one of the biggest football policing operations seen in London this season for Saturday’s Millwall vs West Ham derby at The Den — the first meeting between the two fierce rivals in 14 years.
talkSPORT understands that around 400 officers will be deployed across south-east London for the 12:30 kick-off, a figure the Evening Standard reported represents a dramatic uplift on the 60 to 150 officers typically deployed for a Championship fixture.
In a statement posted on X, the Met confirmed it had worked with both clubs to plan for the fixture and announced additional powers to keep fans and residents safe. “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,” the force said.
Section 35 dispersal order for Millwall vs West Ham
A Section 35 dispersal order will be in place around the stadium, the Met confirmed. According to talkSPORT, the order stretches from Bermondsey to as far south as Ladywell, permitting officers to remove anyone causing disorder from the area.
Section 35 of the Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014 allows officers to order a person to leave an area and not return for a specified period; refusing to comply is a criminal offence.
The Met also reminded supporters that the Sporting Events Act 1985 will apply, meaning that “entering or attempting to enter a ground while intoxicated is strictly prohibited”.
Why Saturday’s derby needs such a large operation
The Dockers Derby is one of English football’s most volatile rivalries, and Saturday is the first time Millwall and West Ham have met since 2012, after the Hammers were relegated from the Premier League last season. The last high-profile meeting, at Upton Park in August 2009, was marred by pitch invasions, a stabbing and dozens of arrests.
The rivalry dates back to 1897, when the two clubs — both born in London’s docklands — first met in a friendly.
Social media has been rife with threats between rival fans in the build-up to Saturday’s game, according to Flashscore, and The Den is expected to be sold out with a crowd of around 20,000, including more than 1,000 travelling West Ham supporters. Strict segregation will be in place to keep rival fans apart.
What the clubs have said
Millwall manager Alex Neil acknowledged the magnitude of the occasion: “It should be a brilliant atmosphere. It means a lot to our fans and everybody connected with both clubs,” he said. “It’ll be interesting to see how West Ham handle the Den and different things like that.”
Millwall captain Jake Cooper told talkSPORT Breakfast that the atmosphere could be like nothing his club has seen before: “It’ll feel like 40,000 in there instead of 20,000. It will be some atmosphere, for sure.”
On the pitch, West Ham travel to South Bermondsey top of the Championship, having reeled off four wins on the trot, while Millwall have won just once in their last five league matches. West Ham have not lost to Millwall since November 2004 — though the hosts will hope home advantage can change that.
What fans and residents should expect
Residents and visitors in the Bermondsey, South Bermondsey and Ladywell areas on Saturday lunchtime should expect a highly visible police presence, possible road and station congestion around South Bermondsey station, and the dispersal order in force for much of the day.
The Met’s message to supporters is clear: the operation is designed to let fans enjoy the occasion safely, but officers have the powers — and the numbers — to deal swiftly with anyone intent on causing trouble.
Reporting based on talkSPORT, The Sun, Flashscore and westhamzone (Evening Standard reporting).
