PRE-MATCH PUNCH
Shocking new video of Chelsea fan being brutally knocked out at West Ham game emerges
SHOCKING new footage of the Chelsea fan brutally knocked out before the game against West Ham has emerged.
Trouble flared before the game outside the London derby yesterday, with the two teams held to a stalemate in a 1-1 draw in the Premier League clash.
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There is no love lost between the two rival sets of fans who were caught on camera taunting each other with a few exchanging shoves.
New footage shared on social media shows a Chelsea fan stepping forward to engage in a verbal confrontation with a group of Hammers.
One West Ham lad appears to take a swipe at him as a lone security guard desperately struggles to separate the two sets of rival fans.
After being momentarily separated the Blues supporter continues to step forward to goad Hammers fans while sticking his tongue out.
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He is then recorded shouting and squaring up to an older West Ham supporter.
But seconds later the man who took a swipe earlier steps in to brutally floor him with a single punch.
The incident sparked a wild reaction from a number of bystanders, who shouted and whooped before the man was attended to by two others as he lay motionless on the floor.
He was quickly placed into the recovery position while chants of "Irons, Irons" were heard from home fans in the background.
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The Chelsea lad looked almost lifeless after the knockout blow but was seen in a wheelchair later on, despite still looking dazed.
Cops confirmed that a 22-year-old man was arrested after the brutal punch.
Another viral video circulating shows how the fan who punched the Chelsea supporter was led away by several police officers.
A Metropolitan Police spokesman said: "A 22-year-old man was arrested before kick-off at the London Stadium today after an alleged assault on another man. The man has been taken into custody."
Chelsea star Reece James mentioned the attack after the game on Instagram.
Posting on his story he said: "The news has crossed my attention that a fan was punched and knocked out before today's game.
"I totally understand rivalry and the tension between teams in big games but violence is no answer.
"I hope he's okay. Appreciate the travelling fans as always. Stick with us and stay safe. See you in Dortmund."
Joao Felix, sent off on his debut, returned from suspension to give the visitors an early lead from a cross by £107m man Enzo Fernandez.
But ex-Stamford Bridge left back Emerson equalised for the Hammers on another frustrating day for Blues boss Graham Potter.
Soucek thought he had stolen all three points for the Hammers when he forced the ball home after Kepa Arrizabalaga had saved Rice’s header.
But the Czech was ruled offside after a VAR review which saw the game end honours even.
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It was another disappointing day for big-spending Chelsea as they failed to take a grip of a humdrum game.
Potter has now overseen a run of just two wins in 13 Premier League games.
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