West Ham United Reminds Fans of Responsibility After Chanting Incident
West Ham United have issued a statement reminding fans of their responsibility when chanting, following an incident at the Burnley match. The club has been aware of an offensive and divisive chant, containing an anti-Palestine message, being sung by a section of away supporters during the opening EFL Championship match at Burnley on Sunday afternoon.
The statement reads: "As we prepare to welcome a 62,500 sell-out crowd to London Stadium for our first home fixture of the 2026/27 EFL Championship season on Saturday afternoon, West Ham United would like to remind supporters of the responsibility we all hold to represent the club in the right way. The visit of Charlton Athletic is another opportunity to show the passion and pride that makes our fans famous around the world, and to illustrate the effect your positive backing can have on the team. Everyone at the club recognises that each and every supporter is an ambassador for West Ham United at our fixtures. Regardless of their background, every supporter within our diverse fanbase should also be free to enjoy watching their team play football without fear, discrimination or abuse. And we remain committed to ensuring that everyone feels safe, respected and included. We are immensely proud of the fact that West Ham United has always been an inclusive football club, ever since our formation in 1895 as Thames Ironworks FC, when Arnold Hills laid foundations built on togetherness, respect and a sense of community. In the 131 years that have followed, that identity has evolved with the club located in one of the most diverse and multi-cultural areas of London, always open and welcoming to those who become members of the West Ham family and share the values we cherish. Equality, equity, diversity and inclusion are at the heart of the club and we believe in the power of football to unite and bring people together. We expect those who represent the club – be that players, staff, officials or supporters – to share those values and ensure that, regardless of individual backgrounds or beliefs, we are as our name says: United. Let’s make sure our support is something to be proud of, and the envy of all who face us. Everyone at the Club is very much looking forward to our first home league fixture of the new season on Saturday, and seeing the Claret and Blue faithful continue to support the team with pride, passion and respect." Ahead of a run of games, you can check on our fixtures page for the latest schedule.
What happened?
The incident occurred during the opening EFL Championship match at Burnley on Sunday afternoon, where a section of away supporters sang an offensive and divisive chant containing an anti-Palestine message.
Why it matters for West Ham United
The club has been aware of the chant and has issued a statement reminding fans of their responsibility when chanting. The statement emphasizes the importance of representing the club in the right way and ensuring that everyone feels safe, respected and included.
What comes next?
West Ham United will be looking to put the incident behind them and focus on their first home league fixture of the new season on Saturday. The club will be expecting their fans to show the passion and pride that makes them famous around the world, and to illustrate the effect their positive backing can have on the team.
League standing (final 2025 table -- new season not yet under way): 18th in Premier League, 39 pts, 10W-9D-19L from 38 games, recent form WLLLW. Goals this season: 46 scored, 65 conceded (-19 goal difference). Title race: 46 points behind leaders Arsenal. Last result: West Ham 3-0 Leeds (2026-05-24). Recent form (last 5): 2W-0D-3L (WWLLL, most recent first); on a 2-game winning run. Currently sidelined: Pablo Felipe, Tomáš Souček.
