Hammers receive allocation boost

West Ham have been allocated the entire Vicarage Road stand for the forthcoming Championship clash due to advice from local Police.

West Ham face the Hornets at Vicarage road next month and, as a result of the decision, will be given use of both sides of the stand - one half of which is usually reserved for families, who will now have to re-apply for tickets in the home stands.

But Watford have confirmed this morning that the travelling supporters will not receive the full allocation of 4,600 - presumably as a result of Police lines being positioned at either end of the stand.

"Following advice from police, along with a wish to ensure the maximum enjoyment and safety for all Hornets' fans, Watford FC has taken the decision to allocate both halves of Vicarage Road End to West Ham United supporters," a statement on watfordfc.com said.

"This decision has been taken following both police advice and the results of the Vicarage Road review, undertaken by the club in the wake of the April 2011 QPR home fixture."

The aforementioned QPR game was marred by a series of ugly clashes between rival sets of fans after visiting supporters had purchased tickets in the home stands.

Those incidents prompted the review by Watford, which resulted in a club policy of adding additional restrictions to fixtures that are deemed to 'carry a risk of disorder'.

Watford have also issued a warning to supporters intent on purchasing tickets for West Ham-supporting friends outside the designated North Stand.

"Any Watford fans that are known to have purchased tickets for West Ham supporters in either the Rous or Rookery Stands will have action taken against them which could include their season ticket being confiscated without a refund and/or a banning order," said the club.