How West Ham's party descended into chaos

ShareI was aware of an uncomfortable atmosphere the moment I set foot in the Grosvenor Hotel.The first player I spotted was James Tomkins, in a huddle with David Gold. In the presence of the club's co-owner, the 6ft 3in defender looked like a sheepish schoolboy being told off by his teacher.That set the tone for the evening. Fans and players were subdued as you would expect just 24 hours after the Hammers lost their Barclays Premier League status. Calm before the storm: Demba Ba (right) and Frederic Piquionne (right) pose with a fanThe first team were introduced, to a smattering of applause rather than an ovation Sky Sports presenter Ben Shephard, who was compere for the night, received a bigger welcome. Players were putting on a brave face but stuck together, preferring their own company. When a smile was required, a smile was flashed. But out of duty more than anything else. Two players were dispatched to each table but you can't imagine it made for comfortable chat.Subdued and polite gave way to fury and fists as some guests were finishing their main course of tournedos of beef with hash brown potatoes, French beans and roasted herb tomatoes. Guests around me jumped to their feet to the sound of crashing plates and wine glasses being knocked from tables.Quick exit: Mark Noble leaves the hotel following the fracasA swarm of muscle-bound security guards steamed in, sparking what can only be described as a full-blown ruck, bang in the middle of one of the plushest hotels in London, where rooms with a view of Hyde Park cost ?1,500 a night.Despite attempts by the club to play it down, I saw a fracas that lasted fully five minutes and it was more than just 'handbags'.Security guards and fans exchanged blows and expletives. Fans fought back as they were manhandled away. At this point West Ham fan Shephard stepped up to the mic and delivered the line of the night: 'Could you all please sit on the chairs rather than throw them!'It was uncomfortable viewing for club owners Gold and David Sullivan and vice-chairman Karren Brady, who had arrived looking resplendent in white.In fact, it was an uncomfortable night for everyone as the reality of relegation sank in. Only EastEnders actor Scott Maslen, a guest of the club, was a picture of cool as he stood in the middle of the melee. As Jack Branning, he's been involved in a few scrapes in the Queen Vic and Monday night's events were straight out of a soap opera.The incident overshadowed the awards ceremony as the room buzzed with talk of the 'Battle of Demba Ba'.Order was restored as Scott Parker delivered his acceptance speech. He received a massive ovation punctuated by cries of 'Stay'. But judging from Parker's speech, there's precious little chance of that happening. He spoke words of encouragement to the faithful, but it sounded every bit like a farewell speech.And who could blame him if he walks away from such madness? Taking no chances: Police in attendance at West Ham's gala dinner at Grosvenor House  West Ham blame 'racist' fan for dinner brawl as Demba Ba is caught in spat at hotelMartin Samuel: Avram Grant was hopeless but buck has to stop with Gold and SullivanArsenal make early move for Parker as West Ham fire sale beginsAll the latest West Ham news, features and opinion  Explore more:People: James Tomkins, Karren Brady, Jack Branning, David Gold, Scott Maslen, Ben Shephard, David Sullivan Places: London

Source: Daily_Mail