West Ham’s final match at Upton Park was delayed by 45 minutes on Tuesday after fans of the English Premier League soccer club threw objects at the bus carrying visiting team Manchester United.
Supporters were gathered outside the east London stadium, which has been West Ham’s home since 1904, ahead of the side’s last home game ahead of next season’s switch to the Olympic Stadium. The match was due to begin at 1845 GMT.
Manchester United’s team coach was stuck outside the car park, and captain Wayne Rooney blamed home fans for attacking it.
“The coach got smashed up but we’ll just have to go and prepare and get on with our job,” the England star told UK match broadcaster Sky Sports.
“I’m sure West Ham will be disappointed with their fans.”
However, West Ham co-chairman David Sullivan blamed Manchester United for not turning up earlier.
“Man United should have got here at 4 p.m.,” he told Sky Sports. “They know it’s our last game. They had the same problem at Tottenham a few weeks ago. I think the police and officials have been kind. I’d make them kick off at 7.45 p.m. if I was in charge.”
“I’m gravely disappointed, more for our supporters. What people forget is they’ve got trains and buses to get home and we’ve got a wonderful, wonderful show after the game for them. Many just can’t stay any more.”
Manchester United’s match at Tottenham in north London last month was delayed by 30 minutes because the visiting team’s bus was stuck in traffic.
The club’s manager Louis van Gaal said Monday’s incident was “not so nice.”
“The way we have been received is not the proper way,” the Dutchman told Sky Sports.
The UK Press Association said police had made no arrests, and Scotland Yard confirmed an officer and a member of the public had suffered “minor injuries.”
“We are aware that a number of items were thrown towards Manchester United’s coach this evening,” the police said in a statement, PA reported. “An appropriate policing plan is in place.”
Pictures from the Getty Images agency showed damage to the bus’ external window glazing, while videos were posted on social media showed bottles being thrown at the vehicle.