Just when you thought you had heard it all, a disgruntled West Ham United fan has delivered the most bizarre criticism of the Olympic Stadium yet.
Match stewards attempt to make West Ham United fans sit down earlier this season
Infighting among supporters marred early matches at the ground as did violent scenes with away fans, problems with segregation and insufficient policing and stewarding.
A perceived lack of the famous intimidating Hammers atmosphere from Upton Park has seen the stadium switch cited by many as a reason for the club’s contrast in fortunes compared to their fantastic campaign last term.
But the club’s biggest problems are off the pitch where the stadium issues have driven a wedge between factions of supporters and the club’s owners.
A number of issues continue to irk the Hammers faithful, 52,000 of whom signed up for season tickets at the Olympic Stadium this season – second to only Manchester United.
But one fan delivered what is surely the most bizarre criticism of the ground when he called a talkSPORT radio phone-in after West Ham’s 2-1 defeat to Chelsea on Monday night.
Hammers supporter Wayne said he hates the new ground because it is cold.
“I’ve been a supporter for 40 years, West Ham haven’t got a clue, the whole scenario over here, the whole setup over here is abysmal,” he told Sports Bar.
“Freezing cold, you’ve got a 20 minute wait from the stadium to the tube, the football’s crap and we don’t know where we’re going, it’s dreadful.
West Ham fans outside the ground before the match
“You stand here, you get freezing cold, it’s nothing like Upton Park. No you didn’t (get cold at Upton Park), because you were so enclosed, the atmosphere was great and it was just so warm.
“This stadium here, you’ve got so much open space behind you and the wind just blows into the stadium, it’s freezing and there’s so much concrete there, you’re sitting in your seat and it’s so cold (and) the atmosphere is crap.”
Some Hammers fans like their new surroundings
That is only one fan’s opinion, though, with many supporters more than happy with their new surroundings.
The true acid test will be next season and how many season ticket holders the Hammers retain after the initial spike in interest at the new ground.
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