West Ham fans who chose to display a ‘Fat Sam Out’ banner outside the private home of David Sullivan have been forgiven by the club owner. But the club’s chief shareholder has told Claretandhugh exclusively that he believes they went beyond the bounds of what is reasonable.
Fans have admitted travelling from Hemel Hempstead to make their point on the managerial situation and hung a placard from the railings outside the Sullivan Essex mansion earlier this week. And until now the club owner has remained silent as the protest reached his own front door. However, speaking exclusively to ClaretandHugh he has shown great tolerance towards the protesters.
He said: “I appreciate people’s feelings and running high, but it frightened my children.”I think , probably not realising it, a few supporters crossed a line on what is reasonable.”
I feel what is getting out of hand, and looks simply an attempt to gain sympathy, is a story about an old blanked with Sam Out, well outside a property being accused of frightening the children, it is 2014!
Without knowing the children or their natures it may be wise to reserve judgement
The ‘Sam out’ campaign is a modern phenomenon – the power of the social media. I agree with you Hugh that without knowing the children etc one cannot make a judgement but as I remarked the other day Mr Sullivan senior should discourage his son from posting ‘fat Sam out’ tweets. It seems to me that the norm these days is instant judgement and intolerance. Sam Allardyce may have a tough exterior but he is human. I (as an older person who has had a heart attack through pressure) realise that the fans open hatred of the manager will be counter-productive. It seems to me that Gold, Sullivan and Brady are decent people – bosses I’d have appreciated in my working life. I can’t think of many chairman from other clubs who could make a better job. What will be the fans’ reaction if the shirt colour is changed, the name is changed to West Ham Olympia etc?
I don’t believe that Jack S did post a Fat Sam Out tweet. In response to an account of that name he said: “It’s not my club”