Green Street Hammers
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West Ham Fan Violence vs. Chelsea Unacceptable

By Barrett Rouen

LONDON, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 26: Silhouette of fans standing in front of the West Ham badge during the EFL Cup fourth round match between West Ham and Chelsea at The London Stadium on October 26, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Catherine Ivill - AMA/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 26: Silhouette of fans standing in front of the West Ham badge during the EFL Cup fourth round match between West Ham and Chelsea at The London Stadium on October 26, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Catherine Ivill - AMA/Getty Images) /
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The West Ham fan violence at the London Stadium against Chelsea was shameful, stupid and pathetic.

West Ham are trying to move in the direction of Europe’s great clubs. They are trying to turn their long history and strong fan base into the sort of club that East London truly deserves. All that this kind of behavior does is embarrass the club and drive potential revenue away.

During the league cup match against Chelsea fans threw projectiles and other things at the visiting support. In order for a good match day experience to happen particularly in Europe, fans need to be able to travel.

If the Hammers were going to make it into Europe why would a Sevilla fan want to travel to East London for a match? Do West Ham really want to turn into the type of club that you can’t bring your children to go see?

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One of the beautiful things about English football is the passion. It’s tribal. It makes sense and it’s something that is in your blood. It’s not like American sports where people say “oh well I picked them for my favorite color” or people wear random hats “because of the style”. That’s a good thing overall. But if the fans want to get into it why don’t they just swear at each other? Sing louder? Cheer your team to victory.

Attacking people and throwing missiles at them only tarnishes the game and hurts your club. What happens when fan violence goes too far? Governing bodies step in and force clubs to play behind closed doors.

That costs the team in support and revenue and is an awful thing to see happen. Hopefully West Ham supporters are able to move forward form this. Regardless of the fact that it was a grudge match and a London Derby people need to behave themselves.

Derbies are the lifeblood of football and are one of the things that make is special. If this were a one off incident it wouldn’t have been as bad of a problem. However, West Ham have continuously dealt with fan issues since the move to the London Stadium. It must stop.

The London Stadium has been a marvelous gift that should help take us to the next level. Supporters, management, players and all need to recognize the wonderful opportunity they have to move forward together or they will all suffer as individuals.