West Ham United have revealed that "lifetime bans" have been issued to the "five individuals" that entered the field of play during the Premier League clash with Burnley earlier this month.
Unsavoury scenes marred West Ham's 3-0 home defeat to Burnley on March 10, with one supporter confronting Hammers captain Mark Noble on the field, while another took the corner flag before running into the middle of the pitch.
The club's supporters aired their displeasure with the West Ham board in the latter stages of the contest, and it has been revealed that "a number of individuals have also been banned for life" for throwing coins towards the directors' box.
"Lifetime bans from all West Ham United matches, both home and away, have today been issued to five individuals who crossed safety barriers to enter the field of play - a criminal offence that is a severe breach of stadium safety regulations - while a number of individuals have also been banned for life for violently throwing coins or objects with intent to injure or harm on the bridge directly in front of the directors' box," read a statement from West Ham.
"Furthermore, a number of additional incidents, including attempted pitch incursions and acts of violence, are currently being investigated in collaboration with stadium operators LS185 and the police. The club expect to issue further bans based on witness statements and the high quality CCTV footage available, prior to our next home match against Southampton on March 31.
"West Ham United would like to reiterate that the safety and security of our supporters, players and staff remains our absolute priority at London Stadium. We take a zero tolerance approach to any form of violence that endangers the welfare of others, and we are committed to ensuring a safe and comfortable environment for all spectators."
West Ham will return to action at the London Stadium against fellow strugglers Southampton on March 31.
Matt Law
