The FA has issued a string of serious charges against both West Ham and Millwall following crowd disturbances in and around Upton Park that marred their Carling Cup tie in August.

West Ham United have been charged on four counts of failing to control their supporters whilst Millwall have been charged on three counts.

The FA have set a marker that hooliganism will not be tolerated with England's bid for the 2018 World Cup on the line as a consequence and a statement read: "It is alleged that both clubs failed to ensure that their supporters conducted themselves in an orderly fashion.

''The FA has liaised closely with all relevant authorities including the Metropolitan Police during the course of its investigations and has been in constant dialogue with both clubs during this time.''

Both clubs now have a period of 14 days to respond to the charges, and given their severity, both clubs are sure to want a personal hearing.

Although the FA have taken their time, they have studied 47 CCTV cameras, liaised with the police, taken witness statements, and been meticulous in their preparation of the charges, which will now go before a Commission.

Specific charges relating to West Ham include:
• Failure to ensure their supporters refrained from violent, threatening, obscene and provocative behaviour.
• Failure to ensure their supporters refrained from racist behaviour.
• Failure to ensure their supporters didn't throw missiles, harmful or dangerous objects onto the pitch.
• Failure to ensure their supporters didn't enter the field of play.

Specific charges relating to Millwall include:
• Failure to ensure their supporters refrained from violent, threatening, obscene and provocative behaviour.
• Failure to ensure their supporters refrained from racist behaviour.
• Failure to ensure their supporters didn't throw missiles, harmful or dangerous objects onto the pitch.