West Ham Urges Fans to Stop Offensive Chant Ahead of Home Opener

West Ham have issued a firm plea to their supporters to drop a chant “containing an anti-Palestine message” ahead of their first home game of the new Championship season.

The club moved on Thursday after becoming “aware of an offensive and divisive chant” sung by a section of fans during Sunday’s opening fixture away at Burnley. The incident has prompted an early-season intervention from the east London side, who are trying to control the tone in the stands as they adjust to life outside the Premier League.

The backdrop is sensitive. One of West Ham’s major summer arrivals is Israel winger Manor Solomon, signed from Tottenham Hotspur on a three-year deal. His move has already drawn strong reactions across parts of the football landscape, and the club are now trying to ensure that debate does not spill into targeted abuse on matchdays.

In a detailed statement, West Ham stressed they want the London Stadium loud, but not toxic.

“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 club said, framing the message as a reminder of “the responsibility we all hold to represent the club in the right way”.

The appeal comes as West Ham prepare to host Charlton Athletic at the London Stadium on Saturday, their first home fixture since relegation from the Premier League at the end of last season. The club want that occasion to mark a reset on the pitch — and a clear line in the stands.