The move is part of 'increased security activity'
Ahead of their derby against Tottenham Hotspur, West Ham United have banned one popular item from their grounds. Half-and-half scarves will not be allowed into the London Stadium this evening. The two teams are facing each other at 5.30pm, in a day that also includes games at Arsenal, Crystal Palace, Fulham, and Brentford.
West Ham United said the ban on half-and-half scarves, which traditionally feature the logos of both teams playing in a split design, is 'for the safety of all supporters and to prevent any fans of the away club from gaining access to home sections of the stadium'. They said there will also be 'additional checks at turnstiles, restrictions on half-and-half scarves or items illustrating the colours/crests of both clubs and steps to ensure home areas remain for West Ham United fans only', according to the BBC.
They added: "Supporters who have purchased half-and-half scarves from unofficial sellers will be required to hand them over to security staff at the security checkpoints and these scarves will not be returned."
Tottenham currently sits fourth in the Premier League table. While their biggest rivalry is Arsenal, Spurs and West Ham have been fierce opponents in recent years. Their last meeting, in the previous Premier League season, resulted in a 1-1 draw, and new Spurs manager Thomas Frank has yet to face the East London team as head of the Lilywhites.
The Hammers have had a tumultuous start to the season, and are currently 16th, with only four teams below them. They lost their first two games of the season against Sunderland and Chelsea 3-0 and 5-1 respectively, but managed a 3-0 win against Nottingham Forest more recently.