Images emerge of police around West Ham United coaches ahead of Olympiacos clash
Images have emerged of the heavy police presence around the West Ham supporters’ coaches hours before the Europa League clash with Olympiacos in Athens.
The images were shared by journalist Sean Whetstone via his Twitter account, showing police armed with riot shields lining the streets on either side of the coach convoy.
The Daily Mail reported on 24 October that the fans would be escorted to and from the stadium in a coach convoy with heavy police protection, and that has already begun in Athens.
Not exactly a warm welcome
Hammers fans haven’t exactly been welcomed to Athens with open arms by the Greek police. Of course, the increased presence is aimed at keeping fans safe from any potential trouble, but it won’t be doing much to calm the nerves of the travelling supporters.
Such heavy police presence has often led to situations escalating between fans with their involvement, but the hopes of all around West Ham will be that any threat of trouble will be dismissed due to the measures.
As well as the increased police presence and protection for the travelling fans, the Daily Mail also reported that they would be kept in the stadium for half an hour after full-time to allow crowds to disperse before allowing them to leave.
The decision by UEFA to host both Olympiacos and Panathinaikos games on the same night will undoubtedly cause further issues, just days after their game was called off with a player hospitalised, with tensions on that front simmering behind the cover of the Europa League clash.
In other West Ham news, David Moyes has warned fans to behave, with the threat of a UEFA ban looming.