David Moyes has called on West Ham United fans to get behind their team the right way in Europe after UEFA sanctioned the Irons for crowd trouble, speaking with football.london.
The governing body banned the Hammers from taking supporters with them for Thursday’s Europa League clash at Rapid Vienna. Some fans had been involved in incidents at Genk last month, including throwing objects onto the pitch in a 2-2 draw at the Cegeka Arena.
UEFA’s decision came before the match was confirmed to be held behind closed doors due to a rise in covid cases. Austria also has a low number of people electing to have a vaccine.
Moyes does not want to dwell on the decision and let it impact West Ham’s preparation for Rapid Vienna. But the Irons boss wants fans to show support the right way going forward.
“I thought [UEFA] left it late and they must have reasons why they’ve done it,” Moyes said.
“For us at West Ham, there’s too many good things going on. I’m not letting it get in the way of anything we’re doing at the moment.
“I want a new club, I want a fresh club which is going to try and challenge all the teams in Europe and in the Premier League.
“What I do need is big support behind me everywhere I go.”
West Ham can top Group H with win over Rapid Vienna
West Ham have already secured their place in the knockout stages of the Europa League by drawing with Genk. The result ensured the Hammers can only finish second at worst.
Moyes would surely have liked to have the Irons fanbase in Vienna on Thursday, however. As a win at the Allianz Stadion this week could ensure West Ham finish top of Group H.
West Ham travel to Austria holding a four-point margin over second-place Dinamo Zagreb. The Croatian side will face Genk, meanwhile, before visiting east London on December 9.
Moyes may want to rest some key players in West Ham’s final Europa League group stage game next month. The tie comes amid a run of 11 games in the next 35-days for the Irons.
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