Luton Town supporters clashed with West Ham stewards late in their team's defeat at the London Stadium, a result which all but consigns them to an immediate Championship return.
After falling 3-1 behind to David Moyes' Hammers, stewards attempted to eject at least two supporters in the lower tier. But when the fans resisted, security reinforcements arrived and a number of other fans appeared to become engaged.
Several punches were thrown and a number of fans and stewards were seen falling down some stairs. Police officers swiftly arrived in an attempt to calm tensions before the match came to an end.
Luton aren't mathematically down yet but will be relegated if Nottingham Forest claim at least a point either at home Chelsea on Saturday evening or at already relegated Burnley on the final day. Forest's superior goal difference gives them a significant advantage even if they were to lose their last two Premier League matches.
The Hatters took the lead at West Ham after just six minutes, as Arsenal loanee Albert Sambi Lokonga gave Luton a healthy dose of hope with his first goal in English football. Rob Edwards' side led at half-time break but the hosts hit back with three goals in the space of 22 minutes to turn the game on its head.
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James Ward-Prowse pounced to equalise before Tomas Soucek - one of Moyes' most trusted players during his second spell - put West Ham ahead. 20-year-old George Earthy then made an impact within 60 seconds of coming as a substitute, scoring on just his third senior appearance to make it 3-1 after being set up by Vladimir Coufal and Mohammed Kudus.
That gave Moyes three points to mark his final home game in charge but left Luton heartbroken. West Ham fans showed their class by applauding Edwards and his players off the pitch while their own side went on a lap of appreciation.
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Luton Town's stay in the Premier League is all but over (Richard Pelham/Getty Images))The Hatters, who've managed just one win since January, are now set to join fellow promoted sides Sheffield United and Burnley back in the Championship next term after their final game of the season at home to Fulham on Sunday.
Former England goalkeeper Paul Robinson praised Luton for their efforts in the top flight, saying post-match on BBC Radio 5 Live: "Luton have scored in many games and have been in many games. You can see the pride from the players today.
"Luton took the lead and were the better team, they made the game scrappy and got to half-time with a clean sheet. But, as soon as West Ham got one goal they grew and become a better team."
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