West Ham have implored their supporters to \u201crepresent the club in the right way\u201d after fans came under scrutiny for an \u201coffensive\u201d chant referencing the war in Palestine.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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 \u2018offensive and divisive\u2019 and urged supporters not to sing it.<\/p>\n
A club statement read in part: \u201cWest Ham United would like to remind supporters of the responsibility we all hold to represent the Club in the right way.<\/p>\n
\u201cRegardless 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.<\/p>\n
\u201cAnd we remain committed to ensuring that everyone feels safe, respected and included.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe 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.\u201d<\/p>\n
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The statement continued: \u201cWe understand that singing and chanting is a traditional and deeply-embedded part of the matchday experience.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe encourage our supporters to sing loud and proud about their football club and the players wearing the claret and blue shirt \u2013 but never in a way that creates division or causes offence among fellow fans.<\/p>\n
\u201cEquality, 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.\u201d<\/p>\n
The club added that West Ham was built on values of \u201ctogetherness, respect and a sense of community\u201d and asked match-going fans to show their support with \u201cpride, passion and respect\u201d.<\/p>\n