FA to probe Upton Park violence

"What can I say? I'm a sport man. I love the game. I love to go on the pitch and try to make it exciting for the supporters and enjoyable for everybody to watch. This was beyond my powers."

West Ham also issued a statement vowing to help any investigation and ban fans found guilty of taking part in the violence.

"West Ham will fully investigate the deplorable scenes that took place during the Carling Cup tie with Millwall on Tuesday evening," it read.

"The club will not tolerate the unacceptable behaviour witnessed inside the Boleyn Ground and will take the strongest possible action against anyone found responsible, including life bans.

"As was the case before, during and after the match, we are co-operating fully with the relevant agencies, including the police."

Hundreds of fans were involved in the disorder and it was the first time London rivals West Ham and Millwall had played each other since April 2005.

Eyewitness reports suggested opposing fans threw bottles and bricks and starting small fires as police moved in to try to prevent the disturbances.

Inside the stadium, police and stewards battled to remove fans from the pitch throughout the match, which West Ham won 3-1 in extra time after coming back from 1-0 down.

The first pitch invasion was after Junior Stanislas' equaliser, while the second more serious encroachment happened after Stanislas scored a penalty to give the Hammers the lead.

Play was briefly suspended when referee Paul Taylor decided to take the players off the pitch.

"I didn't fear for my own safety," Millwall boss Kenny Jackett said of the ugly scenes.

"There were no Millwall fans on the pitch. They stayed where they were supposed to.

He added: "I wasn't aware of the stabbing outside the ground. I'm very sad to hear that.

"We've got a passionate game in this country but when it oversteps the mark then things have to be done."

Sports Minister Gerry Sutcliffe gave his full support to the FA's investigation.