TWO men from Redbridge have appeared in court charged with taking part in the violence that marred a West Ham United football match.

Reece Lawrence, 20, of Mulberry Way, Ilford and Anthony Thomson, 19, of Brocket Way, Chigwell, both stand accused of committing violent disorder during the crowd trouble which erupted before, during and after the game in August.

Neither of the pair entered a plea at the hearing, today (Friday) at Stratford Magistrates Court - and are due to appear there again on January 14 next year.

They were among a group of 22 people to appear at the court in connection with the disorder, nine of whom pleaded guilty and were sentenced.

DCI Richard Tucker, who led the investigation into the disorder, said: "The level of disorder witnessed that night was absolutely unacceptable and not at all in the spirit of what football matches are all about.

"We are not talking about minor offences here; but a hardcore of individuals who were intent on causing violence and destruction.

"The majority of fans, like police, will not stand for this type of mindless behaviour at matches.

"Those who played a part in the events of that night should know that our investigation continues and we are making every effort to arrest them and hold them accountable for their actions."