GIANFRANCO Zola is disappointed that football violence outside Upton Park overshadowed the promising performance by West Ham's youngsters.
A 44-year-old man is currently in a stable condition in hospital after being stabbed after fans' tensions flaired before tonight's second round Carling Cup tie between West Ham and Millwall.
Police have arrested ten people in connection with the violence.
West Ham overcame their deadly rivals Millwall, winning 3-1 after extra time to give the Hammers a place in the third round.
Neil Harris gave League One Millwall a shock lead but West Ham equalised in the dying moments through Junior Stanislas equlised.
Stanislas then scored a penalty in extra-time to put West Ham through before substitute Zavon Hines put the game beyond Millwall with a third.
Speaking after the game, Hammers boss Zola, said: “It is a shame that the violence has overshadowed the display by the youngsters.”
He added that he never witnessed scenes like yesterday's (Tuesday) violence during his seven year spell at Chelsea and time as West Ham manager.
The Italian praised Jack Collison, whose father died on Sunday in a motorcycle accident on the M25 near Epping while he was travelling to watch his son play.
He said: “Collison was unbelievable. Today he showed character.”
The West Ham manager was also glowing about substitute Zavon Hines' saying he made the difference.
He declared that a difficult week for the Hammers, which has also seen Callum Davenport stabbed on Saturday at his mother's home in Kempston, Bedfordshire, will improve his squad.
“The players will certainly remember this week and become better. I am sure they will become better. It was not easy for the players,” he said.
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