West Ham fans rip the claret, blue and white seats from Upton Park on a historic final night marred by violence

A fan is trampled by police horses outside the ground
Reuters

West Ham fans tore their iconic home stadium to bits after playing their final game there in a night marred by violence and an attack on the rival team's bus.

Home fans caused chaos on an historic night by ripping seats from the stands at Upton Park, tearing down advertising hoardings, and launching bottles at Manchester United's team coach.

Fans set off smoke bombs and flares and riot police were called in to protect the rival team. The Metropolitan Police said it was investigating the attack on United's coach. Three men were arrested during the match.

Four police officers and a member of the public were injured.

A fan is trampled by police horses outside the ground
Getty

West Ham said anyone found to have been involved in disorder ahead of the game would face a life ban.

Fans hungry to take home a souvenir from West Ham's home of 112 years were seen ripping up the ground's claret, blue and white seats.

Others were seen weeping during celebrations after the match ended. West Ham came from behind to beat Manchester United 3-2.

In chaotic scenes after the game, another group of fans were seen apparently bundling a sign several metres long for the Sir Trevor Brooking stand on to a train leaving Stratford station.

Fans left the ground in droves under the gaze of riot police, some carrying the booty that they pilfered from their beloved club.

Earlier in the evening West Ham fans attacked the Manchester United team bus as it arrived for the game.

Police horses charge at a mob of West Ham fans
Getty

Bottles were thrown at the bus, smashing windows. Smoke bombs were also thrown into the crowd.

The match was delayed until 8.30pm after the United coach eventually arrived at the stadium just 35 minutes before the original 7.45pm kick-off. Because of the late kick-off, the ceremony did not finish until 11.30pm.

In a statement on Twitter the FA said: “We strongly condemns the unsavoury incidents this evening involving both the Manchester United team coach outside West Ham United's Boleyn Ground and objects thrown from a section of the home support during the game.

A child is ushered to safety amid scenes of violence outside Upton Park
Reuters

Police in riot gear had tried to hold back West Ham supporters as the coach made its way to the ground.

Manchester United captain Wayne Rooney said: “We know it’s a big game for West Ham, big night for them, leaving the stadium, but I’m sure West Ham as a club will be disappointed with what the fans have done.”

An emotional fan sheds tears after the final whistle
Reuters

West Ham co-owner David Sullivan appeared to try to pass some of the blame on to Manchester United for arriving at the ground while fans were also making their way for the final ground.

He told Sky Sports immediately after the incident: "I'm gravely disappointed, more for our supporters.

"What people forget [about the kick-off being delayed] is they've got trains and buses to get home and we've got a wonderful, wonderful show after the game for them.

Fans threw bottles at police and the Manchester United coach
Getty

"Many just can't stay any more.

"Man United should have got here at 4pm. 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 7.45pm if I was in charge."

Riot police at the ground after the game
PA

Following West Ham's thrilling come-from-behind 3-2 win, the club put on a spectacular closing ceremony that included a parade of Boleyn legends on the pitch, tributes to fans and the club's iconic captain Bobby Moore, and fireworks.

Tributes were paid to many of the club's legends, with a fleet of taxis bringing ex-players - including Martin Peters, Phil Parkes, Tony Cottee, Alan Devonshire and Ludo Miklosko - on to the pitch.

A fireworks show was put on as part of the farewell ceremony
PA

Paolo Di Canio and Sir Trevor Brooking also spoke to the fans, whilst there was an emotional nod to West Ham's greatest player Bobby Moore.

In Pictures: West Ham vs Man United Boleyn Ground farewell

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However it seemed that Sir Geoff Hurst - the third of the West Ham trio who won the World Cup with England in 1966 - was not at the ground.

There were also tributes to some of the Irons' fans, including 100-year-old Mabel Arnold, who was in the stands.

Damage in the stands after fans took home seats and tore down advertising hoardings
PA

The current playing squad and manager Slaven Bilic joined the legends on a podium on the centre circle and captain Mark Noble spoke emotionally about being part of a "West Ham family" with the supporters.

It appeared at one point during the ceremony - hosted by presenters Ben Shephard and Bianca Westwood - that one fan had run on to the pitch, although television cameras deliberately stayed off the intruder.

The ceremony closed with West Ham fans the Cockney Rejects playing a punked-up version of the club anthem I'm Forever Blowing Bubbles and a film of an actor playing Moore walking out of the stadium and turning out the lights.

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