West Ham fans’ protests spilled onto the pitch against Burnley last time out.
West Ham United attacker Marko Arnautovic has told the club’s official website that the squad need their fans’ support despite the protests overflowing onto the pitch against Burnley last time out.
A handful of fans made their way onto the pitch while the directors box had to be evacuated as Hammers fans become increasingly disillusioned with the board’s running of the club this season.
The 3-0 loss to Burnley at home culminated in ugly scenes as Arnautovic and co. failed to stop Ashley Barnes and Chris Wood finding the back of the net – the latter scoring a brace to down the Hammers.
However, summer signing Arnautovic, 28, has told the club’s website that he still loves West Ham’s fans and has urged them to get behind the players in their fight against relegation between now and the end of the season.
“The fans are always important. I know they are disappointed, but I also know that against Southampton the Stadium is going to be full and they are going to be right behind us,” Arnautovic said.
“We need them, because without them, you are not much in football without fans. I have a good connection with them [the fans] and even when they boo us, it doesn’t matter, I will always be behind them and I will always love when they support us.
“Still those people were with us until the end. I was applauding them because they deserved it, even in this hard situation.”
The Hammers are out of action until after the international break after their game against Manchester United was postponed due to United’s participation in the FA Cup.
They next face Southampton on March 31 in what is a crucial clash against a side in the relegation zone, as the Hammers remain three points above the drop zone.
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