Irons say £50k fine may be based on ‘previous’

SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND – FEBRUARY 11: Adrian of West Ham handles the ball outside of the area as Sadio Mane of Southampton challenges and subsequently receives a red card during the Barclays Premier League match between Southampton and West Ham United at St Mary’s Stadium on February 11, 2015 in Southampton, England. (Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images)

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West Ham tonight admitted that the £50k fine handed out by the Football Association for failing to control their players at Anfield is probably based on previous recent incidents.

The club is relaxed about the size of the fine being more concerned that Mark Noble’s red card has been overturned following an incident involving Danny Ings.

A source told ClaretandHugh exclusively: “We were probably expecting a fine of around £30k but we have previous and that may be the reason its higher.”

The Irons were fined £30k last season following problems at St Mary’s after Adrian was dismissed and earlier a fracas at Everton saw them receive a £20k fine.

Our source said: “We can have no complaints – the rules are there and need to be obeyed. Yes, it’s an emotional game but you have to respect the referee and when and how often do they change their minds?!”