West Ham Issues Plea Against Offensive Chant

West Ham have issued a firm plea to their own supporters after an "offensive and divisive" chant was heard during their Championship opener at Burnley.

The club said a section of the away end at Turf Moor directed a song with an "anti-Palestine message" towards new signing Manor Solomon during last Sunday’s 2-2 draw. The chant was condemned in a statement released before West Ham’s first home league game of the season, against Charlton.

Solomon, an Israel international winger, joined from Tottenham this summer after previous loan spells at Fulham and Leeds. The 27-year-old, capped 49 times by his country, made his name at Shakhtar Donetsk, where he won three league titles in Ukraine, and later helped Leeds win the Championship in 2024-25.

Club's Message

West Ham’s message was clear: the badge comes with responsibility.

The club reminded fans that "each and every supporter is an ambassador for West Ham United" and stressed that the fanbase’s diversity must be protected inside the stadium. "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," the statement read. "And we remain committed to ensuring that everyone feels safe, respected and included."

The club acknowledged that noise and passion are part of the fabric of English football, and of West Ham’s identity in particular. They want that to continue – but on the right side of the line.

"We understand that singing and chanting is a traditional and deeply embedded part of the matchday experience," the club said. "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."

As West Ham step into their home campaign with a rebuilt squad and a new league to navigate, the message from the boardroom to the stands is unmistakable: keep the volume, lose the hate.