West Ham condemn 'divisive' chant aimed at Israel winger Manor Solomon

West Ham have condemned an "offensive and divisive" chant about winger Manor Solomon that was heard at Turf Moor during their opening Championship match against Burnley last Sunday, and urged supporters to reject it.

Solomon, an Israel international, made his West Ham debut at Burnley last weekend after being signed from Tottenham, having previously had loan spells at Fulham and Leeds. Capped 49 times by Israel, Solomon, 27, won three titles during his time in Ukraine with Shakhtar Donetsk before a loan move to Fulham, and also helped Leeds win the Championship in 2024-25.

The club said it was aware the chant related to Solomon and contained an "anti-Palestine message", and that it was sung by a section of away supporters at Turf Moor during the 2-2 draw.

West Ham issued the statement ahead of their first home match of the Championship season this Saturday, against Charlton, and said they want to "remind supporters of the responsibility we all hold to represent the club in the right way" and that "each and every supporter is an ambassador".

The club added: "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 statement also noted: "We understand that singing and chanting is a traditional and deeply embedded part of the matchday experience." It 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."

The statement was issued ahead of West Ham's first home match of the Championship season this Saturday, against Charlton, following the 2-2 draw at Turf Moor last weekend in which Solomon made his debut.