WEST HAM UNITED’S co-owner David Sullivan has claimed there has been an over-reaction to the ugly scenes which marred Middlesbrough’s first trip to the London Stadium on Saturday.

Boro ended a run of three consecutive defeats by claiming a point against the Hammers, but trouble flared outside the venue, with Middlesbrough supporters indicating they were attacked.

A group of home fans are understood to have broken through a line of stewards and footage emerged on social media showing Boro followers being attacked as they attempted to get back to their official coaches.

The Metropolitan Police confirmed three arrests were made but Sullivan, while disappointed with the actions of some, feels too much has been made of it.

"It makes me angry to read stories sensationalising the events outside London Stadium (on Saturday)," Sullivan said in an official club statement.

“A group of mindless thugs with no intention of watching the game came together outside the ground, and three arrests were made.

"I have watched all the videos and as far as I can see, any issues were routine football problems that were dealt with swiftly and safely.

"It is clear that the police were quick and professional in bringing any incidents under control, and although it is something that we must stamp out from football in general, the scenes were certainly not exclusive to West Ham United and London Stadium.

"The overwhelming majority of West Ham United and Middlesbrough supporters behaved absolutely impeccably, which is something that seems to get forgotten time and time again.

"I get the impression that there are lots of people out there who want to see the migration to our new stadium fail, and will take every given opportunity, big or small, to knock what we are trying to do.

“This is completely unfair on the vast majority of West Ham United supporters who are embracing our new home and making it a stadium to be proud of.”

Boro have promised to “cooperate fully with any subsequent investigation” into Saturday’s events at the London Stadium.

On the field there was a more positive vibe after the final whistle when Boro claimed a point after Cristhian Stuani’s opening goal had been cancelled out by a fine Dimitri Payet solo effort.

Defender George Friend said: “We were obviously hoping for a win and when we were out there we felt like we were going to get a clean sheet. We got used to them last season and it’s a bit harder now.

“Sometimes you’ve got to hold up your hands - Payet is a good player. Disappointed on that aspect, especially when you’re 1-0 up but there are still lots of positives to take out of the game in comparison to some of the recent games.”

Boro – who are believed to have watched long term target Victor Lindelof in action for Benfica over the weekend - have claimed six points from their opening seven matches in the Premier League and Friend feels they will continue to get better the more familiar they get with top-flight football.

He said: “I actually thought that we were good on the ball and for an away team we had plenty of possession. We held our own. The Premier League is different and everyone is adjusting.

“When a team gets promoted you have to adjust but I think we’ve got a good amount of points, should have had a few more but we’ve played some tough teams as well. The further we go on, we’ve got a good squad and a good spirit, the players will go on and learn quickly.”

Friend has been wearing the captain’s armband in the absence of the injured Grant Leadbitter, who hopes to return to action before Christmas after hernia surgery, but he is looking forward to having his team-mate around again.

He said: “It’s amazing to lead the team out at the London Stadium, every stadium, every game. Even if I am leading the team out at Accrington I’d still be proud.

“I’m not the captain - Grant is still the captain but I am happy to step in for him whilst he’s out injured. I look forward to when he is back because he’s a great character to have in the team.”