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Report: Extra security for West Ham match to cost taxpayers £60,000

BEN STANSALL / AFP / Getty

West Ham's forgettable Premier League campaign has its latest low point.

Following crowd disturbance at the London Stadium for the 3-0 defeat to Burnley in March, BBC Sport reports that taxpayers will shell out around £60,000 for additional security for Saturday's visit from Southampton. West Ham released a statement on Thursday confirming the extra security.

"Every ticket holder is an ambassador for this club," the statement read. "We encourage you all to join us in backing the team in a hugely important fixture and make us all feel proud of West Ham United again."

Twenty fans were brandished lifetime bans for a protest directed at West Ham owners that included multiple pitch invasions and a stoppage in play.

According to the Hammers' 99-year lease for the London Stadium, the bill for additional security would be footed by a centrally funded body from the London Borough of Newham in charge of the venue's operations.

London mayor Sadiq Khan also made a statement, with the BBC reporting that he has asked the club to make a financial contribution for the extra security.

"The safety of all supporters and visitors to London Stadium is of paramount importance. Nobody wants to witness scenes like those during the last home game, which were caused by a small minority," Khan offered.

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