Luton Fans Brawl with Stewards in Violent Scenes at West Ham as Police are Forced to Intervene from free kick jar Watch Video

⏲ Duration: 1:23
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✓ Published: 12-May-2024

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Luton fans clashed with stewards as their side's hopes of the Premier League suffered a major blow in defeat to West Ham.<br/><br/>A video shared on social media showed dramatic scenes in the away end during the game's closing stages as some traveling supporters became embroiled in a melee with stewards.<br/><br/>The disruption is said to have been caused by stewards attempting to remove at least two fans from the lower tier.<br/><br/>Additional stewards rushed to the commotion and were promptly supported by police who could de-escalate the situation while avoiding further incidents.<br/><br/>Rob Edwards' side started the game brightly at the London Stadium, with Albert Sami Lokonga giving them the lead after just six minutes.<br/><br/>But the visitors suffered a significant blow later in the first half as talisman Ross Barkley was forced off injured with a calf problem that could prove to be the end of his campaign.<br/><br/>After a sluggish start to proceedings, West Ham responded emphatically after the restart with James Ward-Prowse leveling proceedings before Tomas Soucek put the Hammers ahead.<br/><br/>George Earthy then added a third for the hosts that confirmed the Hatters will be playing Championship football again next season.<br/><br/>Luton's relegation would have been made official if Nottingham Forest had managed to secure a point against Chelsea in Saturday's late kick-off.<br/><br/>However, Nuno Espirito Santo's side ultimately fell to a 3-2 defeat, taking their fight for top-flight survival to the final day.<br/><br/>Luton is just three points behind Forest a significant disparity in the two clubs' goal difference makes relegation all but an inevitability for the club.<br/><br/>Speaking following their defeat Edwards hailed the club's fans for their support throughout the campaign.<br/><br/>'We didn’t get relegated because of today, it was a culmination of the whole season,' he said.<br/><br/>‘I'm an emotional person and walking over to our supporters and seeing their reaction brought me to tears. The love and affection they have given us, which goes both ways and is unique in football these days. <br/><br/>'I feel devastated, I didn't want to let anyone down and I feel responsible. I thanked the players and staff, they've given me the best 18 months of my life.’