Millwall vs West Ham Derby Returns After 14 Years, Promising Tension

After 14 years without facing each other, Millwall and West Ham will meet this Saturday in the eighth round of the Championship. The clash, marked by historical episodes of violence, is once again generating apprehension on the streets of London.

Why the Rivalry is Heating Up Now

The match kicks off at 8:30 AM (Brasília time) and was scheduled for an earlier time to hinder the actions of violent groups. Anticipation is high as it's the first game between the rivals since 2012.

History of the Rivalry

Millwall and West Ham have officially faced each other 99 times, with Millwall winning 38, West Ham 34, and 27 draws. The rivalry originated in the late 19th century when Thames River dockworkers began disputing territory. In the 1970s, the rivalry intensified with the emergence of organized fan groups Bushwhackers (Millwall) and Inter City Firm (West Ham), culminating in deaths and stadium bans.

Match Expectations

West Ham leads the Championship with 14 points after the first seven rounds, while Millwall sits in 12th place with 10 points. Despite the league table difference, the derby is usually decided more by the rivalry than by statistics.

Security Measures Adopted

More than 400 police officers, K9 units, and real-time facial recognition cameras will be deployed. South Bermondsey tube station will be reserved exclusively for West Ham fans, and the 1985 Sporting Events Law prohibits the entry of intoxicated individuals. A dispersal order may be activated to remove anyone causing disorder.

Fan Presence

The Den stadium will host approximately 20,000 spectators, of whom 1,774 will be West Ham supporters. Local police have released the security plan and reinforced the need to maintain order around the stadium.

With information from ge, UOL.