Violence erupts at West Ham as Rapid Vienna fans storm home end after Declan Rice opener with bottles also thrown

RAPID VIENNA fans attempted to storm the West Ham section of the crowd as violence broke out in the Europa League clash at the London Stadium.

The Austrian supporters reacted to Declan Rice firing the Hammers into a 28th minute lead.

A large number from the visiting end jumped the barriers and tried to get amongst the home section.

Trouble had been simmering between the two rival fans from even before kick off.

The visiting support began antagonising West Ham fans prior to a light show which was celebrating the London club's first home game in the Europa League.

With the ground in virtual darkness, several water bottles were launched between the two sets of supporters separated by a three metre gap in the corner of the ground.

Once the lights had come back up, the throwing stopped for a period – but after around 20 minutes of action occasional missiles were being exchanged between rival fans.

Then when Rice opened the scoring on 28 minutes, it sparked wild celebrations and taunting from the Hammers fans – which sparked fury among the Vienna group.

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The travelling supporters hopped over the advertising hoardings and tried to rush the Hammers fans, with as many as 30-40 attempting to break through.

Stewards fought desperately to hold them back before being joined by police as the authorities just managed to get the situation under control before it turned into chaos.

In the melee, giant water bottles used on water coolers were being launched at each other with other objects being thrown.

Missiles were also thrown at Hammers star Aaron Cresswell as made his way to just in front of the Vienna fans to take corners.

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