Carlton Cole reveals the outrageous reason he had to travel to a heated derby match in a tank

EXCLUSIVE: Carlton Cole found himself travelling to a football match in a tank during one of the wildest seasons of his career.

In 2017, the West Ham United legend signed for Indonesian side Persib Bandung, where he learned just how vicious some fans can be.

Carlton Cole travelled to the Persib Bandung vs Persija Jakarta derby in a tank

Having played in the ferocious West Ham vs Millwall derby, Carlton Cole knows a thing or two about rivalries. However, nothing could’ve prepared him for the clash between Persib Bandung and Persija Jakarta.

In an exclusive interview with Sporf, the former England international reminisced: “Indonesia, believe it or not, has some hooliganism over there. It’s weird; I think they’d been watching Green Street, because they think to go to a football game, you have to have a tear-up. I got into a tank to go to a local derby game.

“I was over there with Michael Essien, and if we’d gone in a coach, the fans would’ve thrown bricks. I thought I was going to war. They love their football. They teach you a nasty lesson about how to support a team.”

Carlton Cole on the West Ham legend nobody wanted to train with

While his time in Indonesia was certainly memorable, playing for ‘The Hammers’ will always hold a special place in his heart.

During his time at the club, the striker graced the field alongside many a famous face.

Now, Cole has admitted there was one West Ham star he didn’t want to train with.

Featured Image Credit: Getty