The relationship between West Ham and Spurs, never amenable at the best of times, has turned hostile since last week when the north Londoners' official bid for the Olympic stadium was revealed.
Hammers chairman David Sullivan, never known for his understatements, has predicted a riot should Tottenham succeed in their bid. Speaking to the Daily Mail, Sullivan said that the idea of Spurs moving to Newham was like a "slap in the face" to east London, and that West Ham fans would react violently to rival fans encroaching on what they see as their turf; he also said that the police shared his concerns.
Tottenham's bid was originally considered little more than a bargaining chip in the effort to build a new stadium in Haringey. Yet the involvement of entertainment giant AEG, who are the bid partner, suggests the club now sees Stratford as a viable and acceptable option should the new ground fall through. However, as Mail sportswriter Martin Samuel argues, such a planned "invasion" of another club's manor shows a "contempt for the dynamic of football" in the capital.
