West Ham Urges Fans to Stop Offensive Chant Against Manor Solomon

West Ham have issued a firm plea to their supporters to drop an "offensive and divisive" chant aimed at new signing Manor Solomon, after it was heard during their Championship opener at Burnley.

The song, which the club says contained an "anti-Palestine message", was sung by a section of the away end during last Sunday's 2-2 draw at Turf Moor. West Ham moved quickly in the days that followed, making clear that such chanting has no place around the team.

Solomon, the Israel winger who arrived from Tottenham this summer, has become the unwanted focus of the controversy before he has even kicked a ball at London Stadium in claret and blue. The 27-year-old, capped 49 times by his country, has built his career across Europe with title-winning success at Shakhtar Donetsk and influential loan spells at Fulham and Leeds, where he helped the Yorkshire club win the Championship in 2024-25.

Club issues strong message before home opener

Ahead of their first home league match of the season against Charlton on Saturday, West Ham released a statement reminding fans of their responsibilities in the stands.

They stressed that "each and every supporter is an ambassador" for the club and underlined that "regardless of their background, every supporter within our diverse fanbase should also be free to enjoy watching their team play football without fear, discrimination or abuse".

The message was unambiguous. West Ham said they "remain committed to ensuring that everyone feels safe, respected and included", drawing a clear line between passionate backing and discriminatory behaviour.

The club acknowledged that singing is at the heart of English football culture and a key part of the matchday rhythm. They want the noise, the colour, the backing for the shirt. But they set a boundary: "We encourage our supporters to sing loud and proud about their football club and the players wearing the claret and blue shirt – but never in a way that creates division or causes offence among fellow fans."

As the Championship season settles into gear and Solomon prepares for his first home appearance, West Ham have made their stance clear. The songs can stay. The abuse cannot.