Football
ESPN staff 6y

Sir Trevor Brooking pleads to West Ham fans following crowd trouble

Sir Trevor Brooking says West Ham fans must put 'grievance to one side' as the club look to escape their Premier League relegation battle with victory over Southampton on Saturday.

The Hammers, 17th in the table with eight games remaining, lost 3-0 at home to Burnley in their last top-flight encounter as angry fans stormed on to the pitch, while there were ugly scenes in the stands as home supporters tried to confront co-owners David Gold and David Sullivan.

"If you are a genuine West Ham fan, then any grievance or issue has to be put to one side while the team are trying to battle clear of the bottom three," Brooking told the Evening Standard.

"I know that feelings had been running high for many of our fans, but it shocked me to see some resort to throwing coins and objects.

"Many of the guests -- including Bobby Moore's daughter, Roberta -- were forced to head into the lounge for their own safety.

"It's certainly a sad day when the family of our greatest-ever player has to leave a match dedicated to his memory."

West Ham, who announced on Thursday that there would be extra security at the London Stadium for their fixture with fellow relegation rivals Southampton, banned five supporters for life last week.

While vice-chairman Karren Brady apologised for the unrest, former Hammers defender Julian Dicks defended the club's fans over the protests.

Meanwhile, Brooking, who made 528 appearances for West Ham between 1966 and 1984, added: "I've heard some fans would welcome relegation as a chance for wholesale change. Frankly, that is nonsense.

"I find it difficult to see how anyone could feel that the type of violent demonstration we saw is going to help the club we all love.

"I always believe fans should be entitled to air their views. If they want to protest, yes, that is their right. But it should not be done when it can adversely affect the performances of Mark Noble and his team-mates."

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