.jpeg?width=1200&auto=webp&crop=3%3A2)
West Ham have implored their supporters to “represent the club in the right way” after fans came under scrutiny for an “offensive” chant referencing the war in Palestine.
Visiting Burnley in their opening match of the Championship season last weekend, a section of the travelling West Ham support at Turf Moor were heard singing a song relating to summer signing Manor Solomon, an Israel international, which included an anti-Palestine lyric.
Ahead of hosting London rivals Charlton in their sold-out first home match of the season this Saturday at the London Stadium, West Ham branded the chant ‘offensive and divisive’ and urged supporters not to sing it.
A club statement read in part: “West Ham United would like to remind supporters of the responsibility we all hold to represent the Club in the right way.
“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.
“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 statement continued: “We understand that singing and chanting is a traditional and deeply-embedded part of the matchday experience.
“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 club added that West Ham was built on values of “togetherness, respect and a sense of community” and asked match-going fans to show their support with “pride, passion and respect”.
