West Ham supporters made their voices heard before the clash with Sunderland at the London Stadium, choosing to skip the opening moments of the game in a coordinated protest against the club’s owners.
Hundreds of fans took part in the action, leaving noticeable gaps in the stands as the match got underway.
Summerville Fires Early Lead Amid Empty Seats
The early game excitement came courtesy of Crysencio Summerville, who powered a bullet header from a Jarrod Bowen cross in the 14th minute to put West Ham ahead.
Yet, many of the protesting fans missed the opener, watching from outside the stadium as part of the “No More BS (Brady and Sullivan)” campaign led by fan group Hammers United.
Longstanding Grievances Behind the Protest
Despite the team’s historic Conference League win in 2023, dissatisfaction with David Sullivan and Karren Brady’s 15-year stewardship has persisted.
Hammers United urged fans to stay away from their seats for the first 15 minutes to send a clear message about ownership concerns.
The campaign encouraged supporters to walk in holding up red cards and continue showing them throughout the match.
Goals Keep Coming After Fans Return
By the time the protesting fans returned to their seats, the Hammers were already in full flow.
Bowen doubled the lead from the penalty spot in the 28th minute, and Mateus Fernandes added a stunning long-range strike just before half-time, making it 3-0.
The early protest didn’t stop fans from enjoying a convincing performance on the pitch.
Standings Remain Precarious Despite Victory
A win against Sunderland lifted West Ham to 20 points from 23 Premier League matches, but it wasn’t enough to escape the relegation zone.
Nottingham Forest, sitting 17th, remained two points ahead, leaving the battle for survival very much alive.
Looking Ahead
With fan unrest and the threat of relegation looming, West Ham face a tense period ahead.
The response from supporters and performances on the field will likely shape the next chapter for the club as they navigate the remainder of the Premier League season.
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