VIOLENT scenes at a football match, which led to one man being stabbed, have been described as “very sad” for Millwall Football Club.

Police and football club officials are investigating the mass violence between rival West Ham and Lions fans.

At least 10 people were arrested during clashes before last night's game at West Ham’s Boleyn Ground.

A 44-year-old man was stabbed the chest in Priory Road, just yards from the ground, and is now in a stable condition.

Two others were taken to hospital with non life-threatening injuries.

Witnesses described how bricks and bottles were lobbed as hundreds of supporters rioted in the streets surrounding the ground.

And inside, fans fought with police and stewards, forcing play to be suspended as supporters invaded the pitch three times.

A Metropolitan Police spokeswoman said officers were now scanning CCTV footage.

George Lampey, a board member of the Millwall Supporters’ Club, said some problems may have been caused when fans arrived at the ground without a ticket.

He said: “I think the policing and stewarding within the ground seems to have been found wanting.

“I know it’s easy to blame the authorities for everything but fans know when things are policed well and when they aren’t.”

He added: “We’re very disappointed, though I’m not sure of the part we played in it.

“Whatever happens we are the club that gets tarnished.

“We’ve done a lot of work over the years but it all goes up in flames on a night like that.

“To be dragged through the coals like this again is very sad for our football club.”

News Shopper: Police in riot gear on Priory Road

Describing the ugly scenes, a 29-year-old man, who runs a kebab shop in nearby Green Street, said: "All hell broke loose, it was very frightening. There were loads of people with bloodied faces."

Another man, aged 19, who did not want to be named, said: "People were chipping bricks off buildings and throwing them at police. I saw one officer getting kicked as he was on the ground."

Millwall supporter Ben Goodger, 20, said the atmosphere in and around the ground was intimidating.

The Downham resident said: “Walking towards the ground you could tell it was really hostile.

“The closer and closer you got to the ground it was just getting more and more intense.

“It was intimidating. There was a cracking atmosphere but you were on edge the whole time.”

Mr Goodger said that during the pitch invasions, West Ham fans were running towards his group with just a line of stewards to protect them.

He said: “Eventually they replaced the stewards with police but I think it could have been done a lot better.”

Millwall boss Kenny Jackett insisted that no Millwall fans had entered the pitch and his players had no intention of walking off.

In a club statement, Millwall said they condemned the violence.

It said: “Any Millwall supporter identified as being involved in criminal activity relating to the events of August 25 will receive an indefinite ban from the club.

“We trust that all aspects of planning and preparation for this match will be thoroughly investigated.”