WEST HAM are pondering the prospects of an appeal after being fined �115,000 for failing to control their fans during the Carling Cup clash with Millwall back in August, WRITES DAVE EVANS. The Hammers were found guilty of two charges; failure to prevent

WEST HAM are pondering the prospects of an appeal after being fined �115,000 for failing to control their fans during the Carling Cup clash with Millwall back in August, WRITES DAVE EVANS.

The Hammers were found guilty of two charges; failure to prevent their fans refraining from using violent, threatening, obscene and provocative behaviour, and failure to ensure their supporters did not enter the field of play.

However, they were exonerated from the more serious charges of refraining their fans from using racist behaviour and refraining their supporters from throwing missiles, and the comparative mildness of the fines seems to reflect this.

The club will not have to play a game behind closed doors as was first mooted when the charges were laid against the club following the clashes between West Ham fans, stewards and police, during and after the match.

The FA's Regulatory Commission met this morning (Friday) to decide on the punishment to be handed out to West Ham after they found them guilty on two charges on Wednesday.

Millwall were cleared of all the charges.

A statement from West Ham read: "West Ham United are awaiting receipt of the full findings of the FA Regulatory Commission after being fined as the result of the disturbances following the Carling Cup match with Millwall on August 25.

"The club have been fined �115,000 for provocative behaviour and pitch incursion by supporters on the night.

"The club have 14 days to appeal the finding on receipt of the Commission's full written reasons."

With a takeover imminent and payments to Sheffield United over the Carlos Tevez affair and Alan Curbishley over his constructive dismissal compensation, still outstanding, it may be that West Ham decide to let this particular judgement pass, pay it and now look to the future with a clean slate.