Bid leader Andy Anson is acutely aware pictures of the trouble that erupted around West Ham's Carling Cup tie with Millwall will be beamed around the world.

For a country which prides itself on the massive strides that have been made in quelling the scourge of hooliganism, it is hardly the ideal backdrop to an attempt to host the game's most prestigious tournament.

At least, because the final decision is not made until December 2010, Anson knows the furore surrounding last night's events will have a chance to die down.

However, they have been quick to attack the thugs who caused such mayhem, a throwback to the dark days of the 1970s and 80s.

A 2018 bid spokesman said: "England 2018 shares the FA's stance in condemning the disorder surrounding last night's Carling Cup fixture between West Ham and Millwall.

"The scenes from Upton Park were a regrettable but isolated example of a culture that the football community has worked tirelessly to eradicate from our game.

"It is extremely disappointing that the mindless actions of a tiny minority have today deflected from the passion and dedication that millions of genuine fans show every week for our national game."