The Columbus Dispatch’s Shawn Mitchell reports there was a bit of unpleasantness at yesterday’s Columbus Crew v. West Ham United (un)friendly (link swiped from The Big Lead).

A scuffle broke out and stadium security quickly pulled the West Ham interlopers to the stadium concourse. The next few minutes were frantic.

While the West Ham fans were removed to a stair landing on the back side of the stadium, supporters of both teams gathered on the concourse. Several punches were thrown and one West Ham fan was thrown to the ground by security and handcuffed by police, who used pepper spray or mace to help break up the melee.

Police couldn’t confirm the number of arrests and Crew vice president of operations Scott DeBolt said he would have no details “until I get a report, which might not be till (today).”

More fans were seen handcuffed in the parking lots after the game.

Peter Witham, a fan of the English team Arsenal, said he was on his way to the restroom when he got hit with chemical irritant used by police.

“I’ve never experienced anything like that in my life and I’ve been going to English Premier League games for forever,” he said.

That would be some neat trick seeing as the “Premier League” hasn’t existed for nearly that long. Presumably, while experiencing glamorous top-flight soccer, Mr. Witham has never seen fit to stumble across The New Den.