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Why West Ham fans are upset

Miguel Delaney had an excellent article in The Independent this week discussing the toxic situation at West Ham and it is well worth reading the whole article: Toxic atmosphere

However, this extract gives a good idea of some of their grievances: 'Among the concerns that have been brought up in recent meetings between fan groups and the club are: the ongoing situation with the move away from the Boleyn Ground, to a stadium they feel is not fit for football; who is actually running the club, given co-chairman David Sullivan’s recent illness and co-chairman David Gold’s age; how much money is actually being invested in the team; what kind of process exists for signing players; ticket prices; media comments by the owners; appropriate recognition of the club’s history; stewarding – where it was cited that one wears a Charlton Athletic jersey under his jacket; Boxing Day home fixtures; the memorial garden at the Boleyn; “amnesties” for supporters ejected from the stadium and not charged; and the club badge.'

Fans wanted to hold a protest march yesterday, but Newham Council banned it on 'safety' grounds. It might have taken some of the heat out of the situation.

As Frank Lampard said on Match of the Day last night that there had been an implicit bargain between the club and the fans which had not been kept. The historic Boleyn Ground would be sacrificed, but the club would make a serious attempt to get into Europe. In fact there has been a net spend of just £29m, which is not enough to achieve that, despite record profits and a very favourable deal at the London Stadium.

David Sullivan appears to putting the blame for yesterday's events on the operators of the London Stadium: Blame game

When fans feel frustrated and powerless, they do foolish things. The pitch incursions didn't help their team, and the protests got out of hand, but there is real anger with the board. This is why one needs an independent regulator for football as being advocated by Blackpool fans.

Incidentally, as a Charlton supporter, the steward with a Charlton jersey under his jacket sounds like a real saddo in exile from The Valley. I would add that I think we were well treated by West Ham when we shared Upton Park before returning to The Valley.

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