Crystal Palace chairman Steve Parish defends West Ham owners

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West Ham are battling it out with the likes of Crystal Palace to remain in the Premier League.

Crystal Palace owner Steve Parish has defended West Ham United’s board in an interview with the London Evening Standard despite fans’ protests at their handling of the club.

Co-owners David Sullivan and David Gold, and the rest of the directors’ box were forced to leave during the Hammers 3-0 loss to Burnley last time out at the London Stadium as fans vigorously protested.

Another loss under the guidance of manager David Moyes has seen the Hammers slip into 16th place and just three points above Crystal Palace, with the two sides having already played out two draws this season.

Parish defender West Ham’s owners, though, stating that he known both Gold and Sullivan well and told fans that they have poured their “heart and soul” into the club since joining in 2010.

“I do not wish what happened at West Ham on anyone. I do not look at that and think ‘that is great for us’. I know David Sullivan and David Gold. None of us are going to get this right in everything we do. It is impossible,” Parish said.

“I know those guys have got their heart and soul in that club. These are nice people who do everything they can for that club. Things do not go wrong on purpose.

“Two guys who are just doing their best — and are not even in the relegation zone.”

Palace could go above West Ham with a win over Huddersfield on Saturday after the Hammers’ clash against Manchester United was postponed due to Jose Mourinho’s side’s involvement in the FA Cup this weekend.

The Hammers have travelled to Miami for some warm-weather training before returning to these shores to face Southampton on March 31, in what is a crucial six-pointer at the bottom of the league.