West Ham farewell marred by attack on Man United bus

West Ham United's Boleyn Ground farewell party turned sour on Tuesday when Manchester United's team bus was attacked by bottle-throwing home fans after it got stuck in traffic.

Huge crowds, many without tickets, had congregated outside the stadium for the sell-out Premier League clash, West Ham's final home game before moving to the 60,000-seat Olympic Stadium after 112 years at Upton Park.

However, the carnival atmosphere was replaced by shameful scenes as some West Ham fans spotted United's coach on Green Street outside the ground and threw missiles, including a smoke canister, at the vehicle.

Several windows on the coach were damaged during the chaos and policemen with riot shields moved in to quell the trouble.

Footage filmed by United's players on board the bus showed them cowering on the floor as they bus came under attack.

Police eventually managed to escort the United team to the entrance less than an hour before the scheduled 1845 GMT kick-off and the match began at 1930 GMT.

"It wasn't nice, the coach got smashed up," said Manchester United captain Wayne Rooney. "I'm sure you will see the images but it was disappointing."

United manager Louis van Gaal looked visibly shaken by the incident as he walked into the stadium.

"The way we have been received is not the proper way of course," the Dutchman said. "That makes all the influence on the players and that is a pity."

West Ham's co-chairman David Sullivan, whose side ended an emotional night with a 3-2 victory, said United should have arrived earlier to avoid trouble.

"I think the police and officials have been kind, I would make them kick off at 7:45 (1845 GMT) if it was up to me. Manchester United know the score, they should have been here at four o'clock," he said.

FA PROBE

London's Metropolitan Police said in a statement that one officer and a member of the public sustained minor injuries, but no arrests had been made.

West Ham later issued a statement condemning those responsible for the disorder.

"We are aware that there were some supporters outside the Boleyn Ground who didn't act in an appropriate way when the Manchester United team bus was damaged," it said.

"That was not acceptable and we will work with the police to identify those responsible and ban them for life."

The Football Association also announced that it would launch a full investigation, including an incident where objects were thrown at United goalkeeper David de Gea during the game.

"The FA strongly condemns the unsavoury incidents this evening," it said in a statement.

West Ham have played at the 35,000-capacity Boleyn Ground since 1904 but will begin next season in the 700 million pounds ($1.01 billion) Olympic Stadium after agreeing a 99-year lease.

TATTERS

West Ham bade farewell to the Boleyn Ground after 112 years with a pulsating 3-2 victory over Manchester United to leave the visitors' top-four hopes in tatters on Tuesday.

On an emotionally-charged night in east London, it looked as though Anthony Martial's double had ruined the Hammers' party but late headed goals from Michail Antonio and Winston Reid secured the win that almost took the roof off the old stadium.

As the home team did a lap of honour and the fans broke into a stirring rendition of their 'I'm forever blowing bubbles' anthem, Man Utd's players slipped away to contemplate what now looks like a failed mission to secure Champions League football next season.

West Ham's final competitive fixture at their Upton Park home since 1904 threatened to turn sour before kickoff when Man Utd's team bus was damaged by a barrage of bottles thrown by home supporters blocking all the roads outside the stadium.

It caused a 45-minute delay to the start and the away side were clearly unsettled by their hostile welcome as West Ham dominated the first half.

The hosts went ahead after 10 minutes when Diafra Sakho swept the ball home from Manuel Lanzini's cut back.

Andy Carroll spurned a great chance to make it 2-0 while Antonio had a goal ruled out.

Man Utd sent on former West Ham midfielder Michael Carrick after the break to try and instigate a comeback.

The visitors did improve and were level after 51 minutes when Marcus Rashford and Juan Mata combined to set up Martial.

Dimitri Payet and Sakho went close to putting West Ham back in front but United struck on the break when Martial's shot embarrassed keeper Darren Randolph at the near post.

Man Utd's lead lasted four minutes though as playmaker Payet picked out Antonio who thumped a header past keeper David de Gea.

With the atmosphere building to a crescendo, West Ham snatched victory in their 2,398th and final game at Upton Park when Reid's header beat De Gea's despairing attempt to keep the ball out.

The roars would have been heard down the road at the Olympic Stadium where sixth-placed West Ham could host Europa League matches next season if they finish with another win at Stoke City on Sunday.

Man Utd, who are fifth, must now beat Bournemouth in their final game on Sunday and hope Manchester City lose at Swansea City in order to reach the top four.

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