West Ham issues warning to fans over singing chant with an ‘anti-Palestine message’, most recently in the game against Burnley.
Since the fixture played out last Sunday, the use of a chant which referenced the Israeli winger Manor Solomon ‘hating Palestine’ has received criticism on social media.
Daniel Storey recently wrote a column for inews, condemning the anti-Palestine chant as gross, saying they should be punished. He added that it “also reflects how football entirely washed its hands of responsibility over the genocide.”
Credit – @HammersHubWHUFC
As we prepare to welcome a 62,500 sell-out crowd to London Stadium for our first home fixture of the 2026/27 EFL Championship season on Saturday afternoon, West Ham United would like to remind supporters of the responsibility we all hold to represent the Club in the right way.
— West Ham United (@WestHam) August 20, 2026
The club said via their website: “As we prepare to welcome a 62,500 sell-out crowd to London Stadium for our first home fixture of the 2026/27 EFL Championship season on Saturday afternoon, West Ham United would like to remind supporters of the responsibility we all hold to represent the Club in the right way.
“The visit of Charlton Athletic is another opportunity to show the passion and pride that makes our fans famous around the world, and to illustrate the effect your positive backing can have on the team. Everyone at the Club recognises that each and every supporter is an ambassador for West Ham United at our fixtures.
“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. And we remain committed to ensuring that everyone feels safe, respected and included.
“The Club is aware of an offensive and divisive chant, containing an anti-Palestine message, being sung by a section of away supporters during our opening EFL Championship match at Burnley on Sunday afternoon.
“We understand that singing and chanting is a traditional and deeply-embedded part of the matchday experience. 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.
“We are immensely proud of the fact that West Ham United has always been an inclusive football club, ever since our formation in 1895 as Thames Ironworks FC, when Arnold Hills laid foundations built on togetherness, respect and a sense of community.
“In the 131 years that have followed, that identity has evolved with the Club located in one of the most diverse and multi-cultural areas of London, always open and welcoming to those who become members of the West Ham family and share the values we cherish.
“Equality, equity, diversity and inclusion are at the heart of the Club and we believe in the power of football to unite and bring people together.
“We expect those who represent the Club – be that players, staff, officials or supporters – to share those values and ensure that, regardless of individual backgrounds or beliefs, we are as our name says: United. Let’s make sure our support is something to be proud of, and the envy of all who face us.
“Everyone at the Club is very much looking forward to our first home league fixture of the new season on Saturday, and seeing the Claret and Blue faithful continue to support the team with pride, passion and respect.
“Come on you Irons!”
The anti-Palestine chant for Manor Solomon by West Ham fans is gross and should be punished. It also reflects how football entirely washed its hands of responsibility over the genocide.
Column.https://t.co/4vb7GRHd3f
— Daniel Storey (@danielstorey85) August 17, 2026
In February 2025, Leeds issued a statement of their own over a chant towards Manor Solomon. They said: “Leeds United again condemn the football chant containing an anti-Palestine lyric aimed at Manor Solomon, having already done so through comment to local and national media outlets in December.
“Hate crime and discriminatory language or chanting is not acceptable at Leeds United and the club has a zero-tolerance policy towards discrimination abuse of all kinds.
“The club has received a large number of complaints from Leeds United supporters regarding the chant and had hoped the initial strategy of condemning it through the media and working with supporter groups, would prevent this from happening in the future, but it has sadly become more prominent in recent matches, including at Elland Road.
“After monitoring the situation at recent home games, the origins of the chant at Elland Road appear to come from the Norman Hunter South Stand, particularly in blocks FA5, FA6, SS5, SS6.
“As a result, there will be an increased CCTV surveillance and stewarding presence in FA5, FA6, SS5 and SS6 at all home games between now and the end of the season and action will be taken against any person who participates in the chant, including the issuing of a club banning order.
“Discriminatory language can be reported by contacting your nearest steward or discreetly via the Matchday Incident Text Service by texting LEEDS and your message to 60006.
“Given what is at stake for the club in the weeks ahead, this is a time we need the fan base to be united, not divided.
“Thank you for your co-operation.”
Leeds United again condemn the football chant containing an anti-Palestine lyric aimed at Manor Solomon
— Leeds United (@LUFC) February 14, 2025
