Many fans have had their say on the tumultuous events played out in the glare of the media spotlight in the last week. Some have been condemnatory, some crowing, others less polite. West Ham United – along with Sullivan – has been on the front pages of the national newspapers and indeed across the world via the BBC- for all the wrong reasons.
As if the last two years hasn’t been bruising enough. Here Claret and Hugh reader ‘FA‘ sums up what many have been thinking as the headlines have broken and the storm has raged over West Ham’s former Chairman and the football club.
Guest post by “FA”
As a fan, I find these allegations deeply concerning and damaging to the reputation of the club. Right now, the most important thing is that any allegations are properly investigated and that those involved are held accountable if wrongdoing is proven.
The club has become a subject of ridicule because of the negative publicity, and that is frustrating as the focus right now should be on returning to the PL. If the relevant authorities conclude that ownership is not fit and proper, then that would be a blessing in disguise. A fresh start could help restore confidence and move the club forward.
I have also long questioned how senior figures associated with the club, including Karren Brady, reconcile their public advocacy for women’s empowerment with their association with individuals involvement with the adult industry and facing such serious allegations. That is a legitimate question, although it is important not to prejudge anyone before the facts are established.
Most importantly, if these allegations are true, then my thoughts are with the victims. They deserve to be heard, treated with respect, and receive justice through the proper legal process. As supporters, we should want transparency, accountability, and a club that reflects values we can be proud of.
Nicely put, sir.
The trouble with trial by media is that whilst it does undoubtedly unearth some wrongs,great. But it also brings lots of pain and hurt to many that are WRONGLY and openly accused. Sometimes leading to suicide, financial destruction, destruction of relationships and families, loss of dignity etc etc..
There’s no real recompense that can bring back a ruined life in those circumstances. What’s worse is that those media organisations get sued but they don’t really get any personal penalties for the journalists involved. They get away with mealy mouthed apologies and corporate fines through civil courts. Then they move on to the next job.
Is it worth it simply for an entertainment akin to curtain twitching. Not for me.
What makes me laugh is if you type in Football regulator and Karren Brady in to google, you’ll likely get a story come up, first from 2024 on how Karren Brady was dead set against the idea of having an independent regulator. I bet she was ! Via her boss and mate, the pair of them wouldn’t have wanted a regulator anywhere near Sullivan or the club would they !
But I do find the funniest part is that the regulator has now contacted West Ham about Sullivan, Why ? Well the silliest part of this is that former Executive Director and right hand woman to Brady, Tara Warren, is now a non-executive director of the new Independent Football Regulator. Now I bet she already knows exactly what it is the regulator wants find find out.
How daft !
So terrible it was to be a female employee at West Ham working anywhere near Mr Sullivan, that one of the independent regulators very own female Directors worked for the man for over 17 years along side 2 other female directors.
It’s quite clear this has zero to do with Football or more precisely West Ham Utd, but I suppose the media has to keep dragging the connection on, even though its largely irrelevant to the period of time of the allegations.
Bob, is it daft?
Flipping it the other way, could it be that Tara is exactly the person they wanted to join the IFR.
If Tara knows how things were operating at West Ham and can successfully be part of a team that delivers the aims and objectives of the IFR then it gives the newly formed body credibility.
Not saying this will happen, just providing a different perspective on things.
For the families who will be affected by this investigation, there are no words which can help right now. There appears to be a lot more to this than the rumours that have been around for years. I was shocked to read today that Mr Sullivan served 70 days in prison in the 80’s for living off immoral earnings, then having the conviction overturned and released, is this really fact. Karen Brady resigning last month, relegation, Nuno leaving, Nuno staying, Jerez says goodbye, then gets reinstated. Now Kretinsky maybe in charge, difficult times to be a hammers supporter.
The conviction was NOT overturned, he appealed against the length of the prison sentence and got that knocked off.
Are Birningham City , his first club, under the same scrutiny as West Ham?
Doesn’t really matter if you are a fan of Sullivan or not
What happened BEFORE he went into football should have nothing to do with any football association OR if it is to do with them then they should have stepped in to stop him buying the club
The 80s and 90s was a very different time
the wolf whistle was taken as a compliment now it’s an insult
And if it is so true why wait until now and why not be named sometime people remember it differently after 30 years
Spot on , I’m not a fan of trial by media, if you hate the guy you believe the accusations , or you wait until the burden of proof has been proved, without personal prejudice, I’m not defending the guy or damning him , but as far as I’m concerned it’s their word against his , he’s an easy target.