West Ham have urged supporters to “represent the club in the right way” after condemning an anti-Palestine chant heard during their opening Championship fixture.
The Hammers have issued a statement ahead of Saturday’s sold-out London derby against Charlton at the London Stadium following scrutiny over the behaviour of a section of their travelling support.
West Ham began their Championship campaign away at Burnley last weekend, with some fans at Turf Moor heard singing a chant relating to summer signing Manor Solomon.
The song about the Israel international contained an anti-Palestine message, prompting the east London club to intervene before their first home fixture of the season.
West Ham described the chant as “offensive and divisive” and have made clear they do not want supporters repeating it.
“West Ham United would like to remind supporters of the responsibility we all hold to represent the club in the right way,” the statement read.
“Regardless of their background, every supporter within our diverse fanbase should also be free to enjoy watching their team play football without fear, discrimination or abuse.
West Ham have urged supporters to “represent the club in the right way” after condemning an anti-Palestine chant heard during their opening Championship fixture
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“And we remain committed to ensuring that everyone feels safe, respected and included.
“The club is aware of an offensive and divisive chant, containing an anti-Palestine message, being sung by a section of away supporters during our opening EFL Championship match at Burnley on Sunday afternoon.”
The club acknowledged that songs and chants have long been an integral part of football culture but stressed that support for the team should not come at the expense of other fans.
West Ham were pegged back by Burnley in their Championship opener on Sunday
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“We understand that singing and chanting is a traditional and deeply-embedded part of the matchday experience,” West Ham continued.
“We encourage our supporters to sing loud and proud about their football club and the players wearing the claret and blue shirt – but never in a way that creates division or causes offence among fellow fans.
“Equality, equity, diversity and inclusion are at the heart of the Club and we believe in the power of football to unite and bring people together.”
The intervention comes ahead of what is expected to be a packed London Stadium for West Ham’s first home match since returning to the Championship.
Charlton will make the short journey across the capital on Saturday for a fixture which has already sold out.
West Ham are therefore seeking to ensure attention remains firmly on events on the pitch rather than a repeat of the controversy that followed their trip to Burnley.
The club concluded its message by highlighting the principles it expects supporters to uphold.
West Ham said its identity had been built around “togetherness, respect and a sense of community”.
Supporters attending the Charlton fixture have also been encouraged to get behind their team with “pride, passion and respect”.
