Stewards intervene as West Ham vs Sunderland stopped over fan confrontation with bench

Sunderland’s bench was left in uproar during an apparent altercation with West Ham fans at the London Stadium.

Stewards were forced to step in and officials stopped the match as tempers flared behind the visitors’ bench in the closing stages.

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TNT Sports

Black Cats defender Nordi Mukiele had just been substituted and reluctantly stormed off the pitch to take his place on the bench.

Moments later, multiple home fans were stood up exchanging heated words with the Sunderland bench.

Granit Xhaka, who could not feature due to injury, appeared to be in the thick of the confrontation and was seen arguing with West Ham supporters on camera.

The situation dragged on to the point where Thomas Bramall had to briefly halt proceedings.

Eventually, stewards in high-visibility jackets formed a human barrier between the West Ham fans and the Sunderland bench.

More to follow.