West Ham’s joint owners have issued a serious warning that “any fan found to be acting inappropriately – including racist, anti-Semitic and homophobic behaviour – will be punished to the full extent of the law and banned from attending future matches.”
In a statement on the official website they declare: “Sunday’s game at White Hart Lane is likely to be another high-profile encounter with two sets of passionate fans getting behind their team in front of a global TV audience of tens of millions of people.
“It is therefore important that every West Ham United supporter attending the game remembers that they are acting as ambassadors and their behaviour should reflect the values and standards of our great Club.
At West Ham United we are rightly proud of our support for causes that promote tolerance and inclusion and tackle discrimination in whatever form it takes.
Therefore, any inappropriate behaviour is completely unacceptable and will not be tolerated by the Club, whether it be in the stadium, the journey to or from the game or any other public place.
Working with the Metropolitan Police, the Club will continue to adopt a simple zero tolerance policy towards any form of discriminatory behaviour and any fan found to be acting inappropriately – including racist, anti-Semitic and homophobic behaviour – will be punished to the full extent of the law and banned from attending future matches.
In the rare case that you do see or hear anything you think in unacceptable, there are a number of ways you can report the matter. Two of the easiest ways are to speak to your nearest steward or police officer or use the anonymous fan phone number – 07860 404 069 – where all calls will be treated in the strictest of confidence.
Everyone at West Ham United is looking forward to Sunday’s game and the world-famous Claret and Blue Army showing the world what being a Hammers fan is all about – supporting with pride, passion and respect.