West Ham United co-owner David Gold has warned supporters they must comply to fend off rivals Tottenham Hotspur, Arsenal and Chelsea.
West Ham co-owner David Gold poses on the pitch at London Stadium
Gold has revisited the row over standing at the club’s new London Stadium home with a change of tack.
The Hammers brought the curtain down on 112 years of history at their beloved Boleyn Ground at the end of last season with a thrilling 3-2 victory over Manchester United.
And all eyes have been on their big move to the 60,000 seater arena down the road in Stratford ever since.
The stadium transformation has, on the whole, been a success and the club are also hoping to increase the capacity further still to 66,000 next season.
Match stewards attempt to make West Ham United fans sit down
Fans standing in the way of progress?
But the biggest issue has been the fact the Hammers cannot get their licence for the 60,000 due to problems with sections of supporters persistently standing during matches.
As a result capacity has been capped at 57,000 until the club can prove to the authorities they can ensure fans remain seated.
The issue has driven a wedge between factions of supporters and the club’s owners with many fans standing and chanting “We’ll stand if we want” at matches.
An ongoing row has also inevitably erupted on social media with the club emailing all of its 52,000 season ticket holders – second only to Manchester United – urging them to remain seated.
West Ham co-owner David Gold
Gold changes tack to warn of rival threat
David Gold came under fire after he waded into the debate on Twitter recently, reminding supporters there will be no tolerance of persistent standing.
And with the club set to play Watford on Saturday, with the capacity once again capped at 57,000, Gold has changed tack, warning fans they risk losing their bragging rights over their bitter rivals.
“We won’t get a licence for 66k and have the biggest capacity in London if we stand,” Gold warned West Ham fans on Twitter.
“If you love West Ham sit down.
“You might be happy at being the fourth biggest club in London but I’m not.
“The Safety Advisory, set up by Newham Council, has deemed that 57,000 will remain the figure in place as long as the standing continues.”
General view outside the Emirates Stadium
‘Let’s trump Gunners, Spurs and Chelsea stadiums with a bit of nous’
Gold is referring to the fact Arsenal currently just edge the Hammers in terms of capacity with 60,432 – 400 more – while Spurs’ new stadium will have a capacity of 61,000 and Chelsea’s redeveloped Stamford Bridge will also be just under 61,000.
The businessman’s daughter Jacqueline also entered the debate on Twitter telling fans to use a bit more nous.
“For goodness sakes, it’s not rocket science – sit on the seats, get the licence – do what you like #COYI,” she said.
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