West Ham Issues Warning Over Offensive Chant

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

The club said it was aware of a song aimed at new signing Manor Solomon which contained an "anti-Palestine message" and was sung by a section of the away end during last Sunday’s 2-2 draw at Turf Moor.

Solomon, an Israel international winger, joined West Ham from Tottenham this summer after previous spells on loan at Fulham and Leeds. His arrival was meant to be about football – a fresh attacking option, a player with European pedigree. Instead, his name has already been dragged into a political flashpoint.

Club Statement

Ahead of their first home league game of the season against Charlton, West Ham moved to draw a clear line. In a strongly worded statement, the club reminded fans of "the responsibility we all hold to represent the club in the right way" and stressed that "each and every supporter is an ambassador for West Ham United".

The message was unambiguous. Every fan, "regardless of their background", should be able to watch their team "without fear, discrimination or abuse". The club underlined its commitment to making sure everyone inside the ground feels "safe, respected and included".

Cultural Acknowledgment

West Ham acknowledged the reality of English football culture – the noise, the songs, the ritual of out-singing the opposition. "We understand that singing and chanting is a traditional and deeply embedded part of the matchday experience," the statement said.

But there was a clear red line. The club urged fans to "sing loud and proud" for West Ham and for the players in claret and blue, but "never in a way that creates division or causes offence among fellow fans".

Player Background

Solomon, 27, has been capped 49 times by Israel and built his reputation at Shakhtar Donetsk, where he won three league titles in Ukraine before moving to England on loan with Fulham. He then played a key role at Leeds, helping them win the Championship in the 2024-25 season.

Now he starts another chapter in east London, with West Ham making it plain: the noise can stay. The hate cannot.