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A West Ham fan who ran onto the pitch to confront the Chelsea players on Monday night has been arrested and is set to face a lifetime ban from London Stadium if found guilty.

Ian Paul Crouch, 51, has been bailed to appear at court in two weeks’ time.

If the magistrates find him guilty of the criminal offence, the Hammers will take the strongest possible action and ban him from the ground as they look to stamp out any further trouble taking place inside the Stadium.

The incident took place after Eden Hazard had fired the Premier League leaders into the lead and ran towards the West Ham fans to celebrate.

Crouch climbed over the advertising hoardings and got to within a few feet of Hazard and his team-mates who were celebrating the opening goal.

David Luiz had to step in and help stewards, before making a thumbs up gesture as they took the fan away.

(Image: Getty Images)

The Metropolitan Police took immediate action against the West Ham supporter and said in a statement: 'Three people were arrested in connection with last night's match between West Ham and Chelsea in Stratford.

'A 51-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of pitch encroachment. Ian Paul Crouch, was subsequently charged with going on to an area adjacent to the playing area under sections 4 and 5 of the Football Offences Act 1991. He has been bailed to appear at Thames Magistrates' Court on 21 March.

'[In addition] A 51-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of common assault. An 18-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of attempting to enter a stadium whilst in possession of a flare.

'Both remain in police custody at this time at east London police stations, and enquiries continue.'

(Image: REUTERS)

West Ham have taken strong steps to avoid any repeat of the crowd trouble which marred the EFL Cup meeting between the two clubs back in October when rival supporters threw coins, bottle and seats at each other and will continue to provide stewards with video cameras.

The Hammers had nine incident free games heading into the big London derby on Monday night and although there will be concerns over the fan entering the field of play, they will be pleased that the game passed off without a major incident taking place.