Arne Engels makes Glasgow Derby comparison after first taste of West Ham-Millwall

Former Celtic midfielder Arne Engels has compared West Ham’s rivalry with Millwall to the Glasgow Derby after getting his first taste of the London fixture.

Arne Engels of West Ham United is challenged by Conor Coventry of Charlton Athletic during the Sky Bet Championship 2026/27 match between West Ham United and Charlton Athletic at London Stadium on August 22, 2026 in London, England. (Photo by James Fearn/Getty Images)

Engels left Celtic in a £22million summer move to West Ham and has been an ever-present for the Hammers since making the switch to the Premier League.

The Belgian started on Saturday as West Ham and Millwall renewed their rivalry for the first time since 2012, experiencing another fiercely-contested derby after his time in Glasgow.

Engels was part of a disappointing first-half display from West Ham before playing his part in an improved performance after the break.

Having experienced Celtic against Rangers during his spell at Parkhead, the 23-year-old was inevitably asked how the two rivalries compared.

Asked where the London derby ranked alongside the Glasgow fixture, a grinning Engels said via Hammers News: “It’s up there!

“To be honest, it was a really intense game. It’s all about the fan base, to be honest, and we want to make our fan base really proud and I hope we did that a little bit…

“But yeah, it’s definitely up there (with Celtic vs Rangers). It’s a really intense atmosphere. You really feel the crowd on you, and I’m sure when they are coming to the London Stadium, they will feel the same.”

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