Chelsea call on West Ham and the police to 'deliver a safe event' ahead of the London Stadium's first derby

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Sam Long26 October 2016

Chelsea have called on West Ham and the police to "deliver a safe event" when Antonio Conte's side travel to the London Stadium for tonight's EFL Cup fourth round clash.

The London derby represents the first significant logistical challenge for West Ham since their summer move to the 60,000-capacity ground in Stratford.

Fights among supporters and segregation issues affected the Hammers' early games this season but improved stewarding by stadium operators London Stadium 185 has helped matters in recent weeks.

West Ham have confirmed a host of security measures will be in place ahead of the game with enhanced segregation, body searches and a ban on the sale of alcohol outside the stadium before kick off.

Over 5,000 Chelsea fans will be in attendance to support their side and the west London club are hopeful the event will run smoothly.

A statement on the club's official website said: "In light of recent incidents at the stadium there will be much attention on the fixture and especially on the conduct of supporters from both clubs.

"We understand this is the first time a game of this magnitude has taken place there and we are looking at West Ham United and the local authorities to deliver a safe event.

"We appreciate there is a long-established rivalry between these two London clubs but we ask all supporters to remain respectful and refrain from any form of offensive or discriminatory behaviour."

The lack of a comprehensive Airwave radio system means there will be no police presence inside the stadium but The Metropolitan Police have promised a “robust” presence if they are needed tonight with a West Ham statement previously confirming there will be “deployment of officers into the stadium, if required, to deal with any crime or disorder before a permanent Airwave radio solution is installed by February 2017."

Chelsea go into the game in fine form, having swept Manchester United aside at the weekend courtesy of a 4-0 scoreline, while West Ham required a late Winston Reid goal to edge past Sunderland.

You can follow tonight's match live on Standard Sport. Click here for more information.

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