As we look forward to a UEFA Europa League semi-final against Eintracht Frankfurt, West Ham United would like to sincerely thank our supporters for your continued magnificent backing.
During a scintillating and unforgettable campaign so far, Hammers fans have been the cornerstone of our fairytale run to the last four, where we now face the prospect of one more monumental encounter in front of 60,000 fans under the lights at London Stadium.
On Thursday night, the eyes of the world will be on West Ham United.
This wonderful occasion is an 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 throughout each match. Everyone at the Club recognises that each and every supporter is an ambassador for West Ham United.
West Ham United is an inclusive football club. Regardless of age, race, disability, religion, gender or sexual orientation, every supporter within our diverse fanbase should 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.
Equally, we want the atmosphere inside London Stadium to be one of positive energy and enjoyment for players, officials and supporters combined. In recent matches, there have been a number of people who have entered the pitch, either during or after the match has finished. This seriously disrupts the players and the game. We strongly remind everyone it is a criminal offence under Football (Offences) Act 1991 to enter the pitch without prior permission, and pitch invaders will be prosecuted.
All perpetrators of public order offences, which includes pitch encroaching and other recent incidents of throwing objects and the use of pyrotechnics, will receive lengthy stadium bans and further possible legal sanctions.
So, let us demonstrate together that there is simply no place in football for abuse, discrimination, bigotry or anti-social and abusive behaviour of any form, and ensure that football – and hopefully another fantastic result for the Hammers – takes all of the focus in the days following the game.
We can all play our part in supporting the effort to eradicate discrimination by ensuring that we report any incidents. If you happen to see or hear anything on Thursday, or at any other fixture at London Stadium, that you consider unacceptable, it is important that you report anything of this nature to the relevant authorities as soon as possible to ensure it is investigated fully.
In the first instance, you may choose to speak to the nearest steward, supporter liaison officer, or police officer. Alternatively, you can report any unacceptable behaviour by texting 07860 404069. All messages are received directly to the Control Room and enable us to monitor and take action at the time. All information provided will be treated in the strictest of confidence.
West Ham supporters who re-sell their Eintracht Frankfurt tickets on any unauthorised platform will have their Season Ticket terminated and be banned from London Stadium for the rest of the 2021/22 season, as well as losing any priority points and benefits accrued with their Season Ticket. No refunds will apply.
Any tickets placed for re-sale on external ticketing platforms will be cancelled and sellers blocked from re-purchasing.
Everyone at West Ham United is very much looking forward to our final Europa League home fixture of this remarkable season, and the Claret and Blue Army showing the world what being a football fan is all about – supporting with pride, passion and respect.
Please continue to support the Hammers in the right way and help to ensure that nothing can tarnish our most-anticipated fixture in many, many years.
Come on you Irons!