34 arrested after 'hardcore' football violence in west London » Communities » 24dash.com

More than 30 people were arrested last night after hardcore football violence erupted in one of the wealthiest areas of west London.

Rival soccer gangs clashed with knives, hockey sticks and wooden clubs embedded with nails outside the White Horse pub in Parsons Green.

The violence followed yesterday's 3-3 draw between Chelsea and Tottenham in the FA Cup quarter-final at nearby Stamford Bridge.

It is now being investigated by Scotland Yard's Football Intelligence Unit.

Police believe the riot was a pre-arranged fight between the gangs - many of whom apparently came prepared for a confrontation.

Drinkers at the pub - nicknamed the "Sloaney Pony" by locals because of its wealthy clientele - fled as running battles broke out between about 40 hooligans at around 8.20pm last night.

Riot police were quickly dispatched to the scene. It was said to have taken officers around an hour to calm the violence.

A total of 34 men were arrested - all of whom are now in police custody.

Of those, seven were taken to hospital with stab wounds, head or chest injuries.

All were later released except one, who remained in hospital today with stab wounds to the buttocks. His condition is not life-threatening.

Officers recovered hockey sticks, baseball bats, knives and wooden clubs at the scene of the fight, which detectives believe is likely to have been pre-arranged on the internet, or via mobile phone.

There was no violence at the match, which was policed by 600 officers.

Scotland Yard said today: "We are appealing for witnesses and information following a disturbance between rival football supporters in Parsons Green.

"The disorder occurred at 8.20pm outside the White Horse pub involving a small group of Chelsea and Tottenham supporters.

"During the incident several people were injured and seven men were subsequently treated at various west London hospitals.

"A total of 34 people were arrested.

"An investigation will be carried out by Hammersmith and Fulham Crime Operations to establish the full circumstances of the incident."

Superintendent Dave Page, of Fulham and Hammersmith Police, added: "Incidents of this nature following a football match are rare, but it would appear that a very small number of supporters were intent on meeting after the match for a confrontation.

"We are committed to providing a safe and trouble-free environment for the majority of supporters who attend the match to support their teams."

Any witnesses should call Hammersmith Police on 020 8246 2505.

Copyright Press Association 2007

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