West Ham urge fans to stop ‘offensive and divisive’ chant aimed at Manor Solomon
West Ham have condemned an “offensive and divisive” chant about Israel winger Manor Solomon that a section of their away supporters sang during the 2-2 opening match at Burnley last Sunday, and the club has urged fans not to repeat it at their first home Championship fixture against Charlton Athletic on Saturday.
In a club statement West Ham acknowledged the role of singing at matches while warning against chants that cause offence, saying: “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.” The statement added: “We are immensely proud of the fact that West Ham United has always been an inclusive football club, ever since our formation in 1895 … in the 131 years that have followed, that identity has evolved with the club located in one of the most diverse and multi-cultural areas of London, always open and welcoming to those who become members of the West Ham family and share the values we cherish. 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 said the chant includes an “anti-Palestine message” and was sung by a section of the away support during the Burnley game, prompting the appeal to supporters not to perform it at the London Stadium this weekend.
Manor Solomon scored West Ham’s second goal on his debut at Turf Moor, converting in the 72nd minute after completing a move from Tottenham earlier this month for a reported £5m fee; the 27-year-old has also turned out for Fulham and Leeds United in England.
West Ham had led 2-0 following Solomon’s strike, but Zian Flemming scored twice for Burnley, the second arriving in injury time to make the game 2-2. The late equaliser and the dropped point left manager Nuno Espírito Santo “disappointed”.
Nuno told BBC Radio London he was positive about Solomon’s first outing, saying: “I was happy that he scored, it will improve his confidence and he brings very good things [to us]. He is a very talented player.”
West Ham will attempt to secure their first victory of the season at the London Stadium when they host Charlton Athletic on Saturday after conceding a late equaliser at Burnley.