Why do West Ham and Millwall fans hate each other?

The Story So Far

West Ham United’s long-standing rivalry with Millwall is rooted in a shared history and geographical proximity within East London. The animosity between the two sets of supporters originated in the late nineteenth century, stemming from industrial competition between rival groups of dockworkers and shipbuilders. This friction in the workplace transitioned into a pronounced footballing divide that has persisted for over a hundred years. Although the clubs frequently occupy different divisions in the league structure, the intensity of their encounters remains significant. This deep-seated tension continues to be a defining characteristic of the relationship between both fanbases during their occasional meetings.