KNOWING West Ham s recent record in front of tribunals, it was perhaps not unexpected that they would lose their latest run-in with the authorities following the Carling Cup clash with Millwall back in August, writes DAVE EVANS. And sure enough, West Ham

KNOWING West Ham's recent record in front of tribunals, it was perhaps not unexpected that they would lose their latest run-in with the authorities following the Carling Cup clash with Millwall back in August, writes DAVE EVANS.

And sure enough, West Ham were found guilty on two charges of failing to control their fans and will receive their punishment tomorrow (Friday).

The FA statement read: "The Independent Regulatory Commission, chaired by an independent QC, found West Ham United to be in breach of FA rules in the following respects:

"Failure to ensure their supporters refrained from violent, threatening, obscene and provocative behaviour; failure to ensure their supporters did not enter the field of play."

However, the club were cleared of the more serious charge of failing to ensure fans refrained from racist behaviour, as well as failing to ensure the fans refrained from throwing missiles.

Millwall were exonerated from all blame, despite the apparent destruction of 300 seats and a toilet block at the Sir Trevor Brooking end of the ground.

West Ham are expected to face a fine, though they are hopeful that it will not be too harsh having been exonerated from half the charges they faced.

The prospect of being forced to play a game behind closed doors now seems a remote one.