West Ham fans to step up protests against owners as 'season-long campaign' announced | OneFootball

Supporter unrest has been stoked by a dismal start in the Premier League

West Ham supporters are set to stage a lock-in ahead of November’s game against Newcastle as protests against the club’s ownership ramp up.

Hammers United said Saturday’s protests, which ended with fans descending on the directors’ entrance at the London Stadium, were the start of a “sustained, season-long campaign”, and plans are now in place for protests ahead of West Ham’s home games against Brentford and Newcastle.

A mass march is also expected before West Ham host Burnley on Saturday, November 8.

Black balloons and flags will be on display before kick-off at every away game starting with West Ham’s trip to Arsenal on Saturday, October 4.

The protests come after West Ham’s Fan Advisory Board (FAB) issued a vote of no confidence in the club’s board, citing the club’s failure to adequately build on their Conference League victory in 2023 as well as the matchday experience at the London Stadium.

The FAB, who have shown their support for the protests, have said they expect wholesale changes and no further board interference, with priority given to bringing people to the club who have football and commercial expertise.

West Ham released a statement in response to the vote of no confidence last Wednesday in a bid to “reassure” supporters.

However, Hammers United spokesperson Paul Colborne told Standard Sport on Saturday that the statement was “absolute, condescending rubbish and inaccuracies.”

Tensions have only grown more strained following West Ham’s defeat to Palace, their fourth loss in five league games.

The FAB are set to meet with the club next month to address supporters' concerns around financial planning, governance, football strategy, the stadium deal, ticketing, and the treatment of fans.

West Ham declined to comment on the latest developments, but reiterated, as outlined in their statement, that they are committed to answering the points made by the FAB at October’s scheduled meeting.