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David Gold angers West Ham fans with controversial explanation for empty seats at Olympic Stadium

West Ham co chairman David Gold (Reuters)
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West Ham United fans have hit out at co-owner David Gold over a controversial post on Twitter.

West Ham United's Manuel Lanzini celebrates scoring their first goalWest Ham United’s Manuel Lanzini celebrates the winner over Spurs

The Hammers secured their Premier League safety with a fine 1-0 win over fierce rivals Tottenham Hotspur on Friday night.

The atmosphere at the club’s controversial new stadium was rocking in a game that many have remarked made the Olympic Stadium finally feel like home.

Despite that there were still some empty seats dotted around the ground, an issue which has angered the club’s supporters all season since the migration from Upton Park.

A whopping 52,000 fans signed up for season tickets last summer, second only to Manchester United.

But no-shows from some of them – dubbed ‘tourists’ by the club’s hardcore support – and their failure to sell the tickets on to fellow fans through the club’s ticket exchange system has proved irksome for the 50,000 supposedly on the club’s waiting list.

Some fans have vented their frustrations to co-owner Gold on Twitter and his attempt to explain away the problem has angered some.

West Ham co chairman David Gold poses on the pitch before the matchDavid Gold poses on the Olympic Stadium pitch

“Just recently a season ticket holder didn’t turn up to a game because he died. Embarrassing?” Gold said on Twitter when asked if he was going to do anything about the issue.

“There are many reason why a season ticket holder doesn’t turn up for a match, being dead is just one of them.

“This applies to most clubs.”

It is not the first time Gold has caused a stir on Twitter.

West Ham United owners David Gold and David SullivanWest Ham United owners David Gold and David Sullivan

His public comments, alongside those from fellow co-owner David Sullivan and vice-chairman Karren Brady polarise opinion among supporters.

Gold has been criticised for his regular updates on Twitter as has Sullivan for his outspoken manner on team business while many fans are irked by Brady’s column in The Sun where she often discusses club affairs.

Gold’s posts have not gone down well with fans who took to Twitter to voice their displeasure describing it as totally inappropriate.