A 'FAMILY' man who was stabbed before a football match between West Ham and Millwall has been discharged from hospital.

The 43-year-old Millwall fan from Eltham, south-east London, had arrived with ten members of his family, including two teenage sons aged 17 and 18, to watch the Carling Cup tie when he was stabbed.

They initially headed to the wrong entrance of West Ham's ground Upton Park and were making their way to the correct part when they were approached by a large group of Hammers supporters who chased them.

The victim and his sons became separated from the rest of his family and were attacked by the group who threw punches and kicks.

After being separated from his sons, the victim continued to be attacked by the group, receiving a stab wound to the chest.

The group fled in various directions and he managed to make his way through an alleyway before collapsing.

His sons, who were not seriously injured, found him and called the emergency services.

Detective Inspector Lee Barnard, investigating officer, of Newham violent crime unit, said: “This was an innocent family man subjected to a senseless attack by people intent on causing violence.

“Although the family were not wearing any clothing that would identify them as Millwall supporters, their direction of travel may have indicated that they were.

“The victim was subjected to a brutal and sustained attack as he and his family tried to flee to safety.”

"If it were not for the swift intervention of paramedics, the man would have lost his life."

Fourteen people have been arrested in connection with the violence which occurred before, during and after West Ham's 3-1 extra-time victory on Tuesday, August 25.

The Hammers travel to Bolton in the third round of the competition.