West Ham United have met with the Supporter Advisory Board (SAB) in an emergency meeting at London Stadium.
With the Club and stakeholders committed to ensuring the safety, comfort and securing of all supporters attending matches at London Stadium, following the events which marred the Premier League fixture with Burnley on Saturday 10 March, SAB members were invited to discuss the situation in detail.
Representatives from across the Club’s wide and diverse fanbase sat down with Vice-Chairman Karren Brady, Sir Trevor Brooking, members of the senior management team and stakeholders for a positive two-hour meeting focused on the key issues.
Summarising, the Vice-Chairman said: “The scenes we saw at the Burnley game were very sad for all of us and for any supporter of West Ham United.
“The objective of the meeting was to offer reassurance to our supporters in terms of the plans in place to ensure that London Stadium will be safe and secure for Saturday’s match against Southampton and beyond.
“The most important thing on Saturday is that all supporters attending feel safe and comfortable, and that our players have an environment that enables them to perform at their very best in what is a hugely important match.”
The most important thing on Saturday is that all supporters attending feel safe and comfortable
Vice-Chairman Karren Brady
he Vice-Chairman continued by telling the SAB that the Board accept the unhappiness and frustration of some fans and how they are absolutely committed to putting things right, on and off the pitch.
She confirmed that the Club’s number-one priority will always be the security of supporters inside London Stadium and explained the remedial actions taken to that end, including the imposition of life bans and introduction of enhanced safety measures at future matches.
The Vice-Chairman also revealed the positive news that West Ham United has received the Premier League Equality Standard, showing the Hammers’ commitment to achieving and promoting equality and diversity across all areas of the Club.
SAB members were then invited to ask questions to the panel, with topics including stewarding, communications, safety and security for accessibility supporters, the Club’s relationship with London Stadium stakeholders, enhancing the matchday experience and plans for improved supporter consultation.
Sir Trevor Brooking spoke passionately about his love for the Club and asked supporters to get behind the team and the Club for the remainder of the season and that, once Premier League safety is assured, the issues can be tackled. He stated his view that without Premier League status many of the things supporters wish to see happen would prove impossible to deliver so that must be the focus for everyone associated with the Club.
The meeting closed with members being asked to provide ideas for potential themes for future matchdays at London Stadium, which the wider fanbase will vote on ahead of Saturday’s fixture with Southampton.
To view the full minutes from the emergency SAB meeting, click here.