Millwall supporters have been warned to plan their journeys on Saturday after confirmation that South Bermondsey station will be closed to home fans for up to an hour after the final whistle of the derby against West Ham at The Den.
The station, the closest stop to Millwall’s ground, will run a normal service before the 12:30 kick-off — meaning home supporters can use it to reach the stadium but will not be able to use it when travelling home immediately after the match.
The restriction was confirmed by Millwall’s Supporter Liaison Officer on X. “South Bermondsey station will be operating a normal service pre-match on Saturday morning,” the officer wrote. “However, please note that South Bermondsey will not be accessible to Millwall supporters for up to one hour post-match. Fans are advised to plan their onward travel with this in mind.”
The announcement drew an angry reaction from supporters online, with fans questioning why home supporters — rather than the visiting West Ham contingent — were being held back, and warning the decision could cause more problems around the ground.
Why South Bermondsey station is closed to Millwall supporters
The measure is part of the wide-ranging policing operation for the first meeting of the two clubs since February 2012, one of English football’s most volatile rivalries. Around 400 Metropolitan Police officers will be deployed across south-east London, alongside the force’s mounted branch and police dog unit, with live facial recognition also set to be used.
A Section 35 dispersal order will be in place around the stadium, allowing officers to remove anyone causing disorder, and the Sporting Events Act 1985 will apply — meaning supporters can be refused entry to the ground if intoxicated.
The Den is expected to be sold out for the Championship fixture, with around 19,000 supporters in attendance and strict segregation in place to keep rival fans apart.
Travel advice for supporters
Home supporters who would normally use South Bermondsey after the match are being advised to plan alternative routes home in advance, as the station will not admit Millwall fans for up to an hour following full time.
Police have urged supporters to enjoy the match safely. With a major operation continuing around the ground throughout Saturday, supporters should expect an increased police presence and allow extra time for their journeys.
This is a developing story. We will update this article with any further travel information issued ahead of kick-off.
Reporting based on The Sun.
