West Ham vs Chelsea: Police to be inside Olympic Stadium for first time during potentially volatile game

Issues with radio communications have prevented officers from being in the ground so far since it opened – but this flashpoint game has finally seen a breakthrough in talks

WEST HAM will have police inside their new Olympic Stadium home for the first time during their potentially volatile League Cup tie with Chelsea next week.

Issues with radio communications have prevented officers from being in the ground so far since it opened, with the ground beset by teething problems – but this flashpoint game has finally seen a breakthrough in talks.

The Mirror report that the Metropolitan Police have reached a compromise over the Airwave radio system and officers will be on duty inside on Wednesday night for the visit of Chelsea.

Cops refused to be routinely sent into the stadium because the Airwave system – used by all the emergency services and many public safety organisations – had not been installed.

But a solution has been found following talks between the Hammers, the police and the Football Association, because of security fears surrounding the London derby.

A temporary communication system now in place until the Airwave network is fully operational next February.

West Ham have had major teething problems since moving into the £700m former Olympic Stadium in the summer, and there have been a string of violent flashpoints at their home games this season, often between warring home fans and because of poor segregation between West Ham and away supporters.

A Met police spokesman said: “We have clear emergency plans with each stadium in London.

“When we are called to an incident inside a stadium, we will always deploy officers to assist in an emergency or where crime and disorder occur.

“As part of this, we will ensure that there is suitable communication.

“Where there is full, in-building radio coverage, this is beneficial, but if there is not, appropriate tactical measures will be taken to meet operational communication requirements.”

Cops insist officers will be on duty inside and outside of the ground, and there are plans for extra precautions and stewarding around the historic London derby, often marred by crowd trouble in the past amid organised fan hooliganism going back decades.

Due to major safety fears, West Ham have reduced the number of tickets on sale, while also introduing a strict policy for both sets of fans so they must have a buying history before being allowed to purchase tickets.