West Ham fans wreak havoc before Boleyn Ground send-off

West Ham supporters caused a scene of mayhem outside the entrance of the Boleyn Ground on Tuesday, throwing projectiles at Manchester United's team bus ahead of the east London club's final match at the storied stadium.

Fans hurled cans and bottles as United arrived late to the ground. Referee Mike Dean agreed to delay kick-off by 45 minutes, with the visiting side asking for an appropriate amount of time to warm up.

Related - Watch: Manchester United bus 'smashed up' by West Ham fans, match delayed

The experience was "frightening," one West Ham supporter told the Telegraph's Paul Hayward, while ESPN's Alex Shaw made the suggestion that the Hammers could be forced to play their first game at the Olympic Stadium behind closed doors.

The fans gathered hours prior to the farewell fixture, packing the famous Green Street and crowding around the statute of the 1966 World Cup winners.

But a day of celebration slowly descended into chaos, with police on high alert.

United's bus sustained damage to the exterior as it turned into the Boleyn Ground.

Police had to keep West Ham fans at bay, but one officer and another member of public were confirmed injured.

United defender Chris Smalling couldn't help but document his own experience inside the bus.

(Courtesy: Football Fights)

The events have "tarnished our night," one West Ham season-ticket holder said. Meanwhile, Sky Sports pundit Graeme Souness called the culprits "village idiots."