West Ham United have called on their supporters to refrain from singing an “offensive and divisive” chant that was heard during the club’s opening Championship fixture of the season against Burnley.
The club acknowledged that a section of away fans at Turf Moor sang a chant directed towards winger Manor Solomon, which carried an “anti-Palestine message” during Sunday’s 2-2 draw.
Israel international Solomon, who recently joined West Ham from Tottenham Hotspur, previously had loan spells at Fulham and Leeds United.
In an official statement released ahead of West Ham’s first home Championship match of the season against Charlton Athletic on Saturday, the club emphasized the responsibility of fans to represent the club appropriately, noting that “each and every supporter is an ambassador.”
The club further added: “Regardless of their background, every supporter within our diverse fanbase should be free to enjoy watching their team play football without fear, discrimination, or abuse. We remain committed to ensuring that everyone feels safe, respected, and included.”
“We understand that singing and chanting is a traditional and deeply embedded part of the matchday experience. We encourage our supporters to sing loud and proud about their football club and the players wearing the claret and blue shirt—but never in a way that creates division or causes offence among fellow fans.”
Solomon, 27, has been capped 49 times by Israel. He won three titles during his tenure in Ukraine with Shakhtar Donetsk, and also played a key role in helping Leeds United secure the Championship title in the 2024-25 season.
