West Ham have played down a half-time brawl between their fans and supporters of Major League Soccer side Columbus Crew.

Club officials dismissed the scuffle which marred their 3-1 victory in Ohio last night as an "isolated incident".

Punches were thrown when a group of Hammers fans approached their rival supporters, according to local newspaper reports.

West Ham chief executive Scott Duxbury said: "We understand this was an isolated incident leading to one initial arrest that was quickly dealt with by security staff.

"While we take such matters seriously and utterly condemn the actions of those involved, we must not let this mar what has been a positive trip so far and the excellent way we and our supporters have been treated in Columbus.

"The match was a fitting warm-up for the MLS All-Star Game which we are proud to be involved in."

West Ham are in the US and Canada to promote football, providing youth coaching in various cities and taking part in community events.

Columbus police and Ohio state patrol were called to Crew Stadium at around 6.45pm to calm the situation.

The State patrol arrested one West Ham fan after the game for a minor disorderly charge, spokeswoman Sergeant Anne Ralston said.