Whispers

‘Finally’ West Ham Get Tough on London Stadium Abusers

Photo of Gonzo Gonzo | 21:30 11/09/25
Image for ‘Finally’ West Ham Get Tough on London Stadium Abusers

Finally, West Ham have taken the decisive step of banning away fans in the home end at the London Stadium—and it’s not a moment too soon.

The practice is not permitted at any Premier League ground, but at the former Olympic Stadium stewards have often appeared to turn a blind eye. It hasn’t been unusual to see supporters in opposition colours sat among Hammers fans, raising questions about how those tickets were obtained.

Let’s be honest, this move was unlikely to have happened without the recent pressure on the club regarding the matchday experience. Even so, it’s a positive step—albeit a little overdue.

There’s also some crossover here with the club’s move to ban half-and-half scarves, especially when West Ham rely so heavily on football tourists who often wear them. But the main issue has always been with the brazen away fans who’ve felt comfortable enough to sit in home sections wearing Liverpool or Arsenal shirts.

It’s not as though the London Stadium doesn’t provide ample space for away supporters, so this decision feels like an easy win for the club.

Share this article

Gonzo

Kris Gonzo (commonly known to the West Ham community as Gonzo) is the co-founder of Hammers Chat (established 2014) and the lead video content creator and columnist for Claret and Hugh.

With over a decade of professional sports media experience, he is a frequent West Ham United analyst and contributor for Sky Sports News, BBC Football Focus, and BBC Radio 5 Live. He previously served as an official video and content creator for West Ham United FC during the club's tenure at Upton Park and featured in the official documentary commemorating the historic final game at the Boleyn Ground.

A lifelong Hammer since the legendary 10-0 victory over Bury, when he isn't providing daily match analysis on the Hammers Chat YouTube Channel or broadcasting on X (@GONZObignose), he can be found walking his dog and restoring classic pinball machines.

‹ Previous
Next ›

6 comments

  • Taffyhammer says:
    September 12, 2025 at 10:50 am

    Why so polar? Black or white and nothing inbetween. How do I get a ticket at Wolverhampton to watch Wolves v West Ham and also be able to wear one of my many expensive West Ham shirts?

    Why is football so nasty and intolerant?

    Much better to ban shirts with gambling names on them.

  • Whupaul says:
    September 12, 2025 at 7:33 am

    Far too late. Perusing the tottenham boards last week some of their fans have already signed up for an account and bought tickets in the time end. They’re laughing as there are so many tickets on general sale and can’t believe their luck.

  • John says:
    September 12, 2025 at 6:01 am

    Hi Gonzo. I have an Australian friend who is over here for the Tottenham game. He wants to know if he buys a half and half scarf and he’s not able to take it in to the game with him, can he tear it in half and just take the West Ham half in with him? He also wants to know if the people checking for half and half scarves are likely to have scissors with them?

  • Ken Brickell says:
    September 11, 2025 at 10:17 pm

    I would like to see Nuno Espirito Santo coach West Ham.

Comments are closed.