Slaven Bilic Criticises 'Unacceptable' Fan Behaviour in West Ham vs. Chelsea Tie

West Ham United manager Slaven Bilic has criticised the "unacceptable" behaviour of some fans during his side's EFL Cup match with Chelsea on Wednesday. 

The Hammers won the game at the London Stadium 2-1, but the victory was marred by violent scenes in the stands.

Bilic, per BBC Sport, said: "We are totally against it as a club, as a team. For those kind of things to happen, especially in England, is unacceptable."

Dan Mullan/Getty Images

Bilic's side defeated their much-changed opponents to reach the quarter-finals of the competition, where they will face Manchester United.

But events in the stands turned ugly towards the end of the game, despite a heavy police presence. Police made seven arrests.

As filmed by James Olley of the London Evening Standard, objects appeared to be thrown across at rival fans as tensions flared:

In the run-up to the match, extra police were drafted in and security measures were beefed up in a bid to combat potential flash points.

However, with the fourth-round encounter coming to its climax, those plans proved insufficient to prevent trouble flaring.

The disturbing scenes were described by BBC Radio 5 live commentator Jonathan Overend, who said:

"

This has been brewing all night.

It's been hard to watch the match because of the flash points developing. The stewards have got a tough job here. Fans are trying to burst at each other.

They've been hurling missiles at each other. It looks like plastic bottles and I've seen what looks like three or four plastic seats being thrown.

"

After the match, West Ham released a statement following the violence. As noted by Jack Pitt-Brooke for The Independent, the club said life bans would be handed out to those involved:

"

West Ham United and London Stadium partners unreservedly condemn the behaviour of individuals involved in incidents during this evening's fixture with Chelsea.

[...]

Once identified, those found to have acted improperly will be banned from attending any West Ham United fixtures for life and we will request the courts serve banning orders to prevent these individuals attending any other football.

"

The scenes overshadowed a promising display by the home side, who went through thanks to goals from Cheikhou Kouyate and Edimilson Fernandes.

Dan Mullan/Getty Images

Gary Cahill grabbed a consolation for Chelsea deep into injury time.

Victory continued a good week for Bilic's side, who have won their last two matches in the Premier League and are now unbeaten in four.