Exclusive: Frank McAvennie amused by re-opening of London Stadium with 2,000 fans
We’re delighted to welcome former West Ham striker Frank McAvennie as our exclusive columnist. Each week he’ll be giving his views on the biggest talking points at the London Stadium…
West Ham will be allowed to welcome 2,000 supporters to attend their clash against Manchester United at the London Stadium on Saturday.
London will enter Tier 2 of COVID-19 restrictions from Wednesday, meaning that all clubs in the capital can open their doors to 2,000 people.
West Ham have confirmed on their official website last week that “season ticket holders who have paid in full for the 2020/21 season will be automatically entered into a ballot for the opportunity to obtain tickets for the Manchester United fixture.”
However, supporters whose address falls under a Tier 3 area will not be allowed to attend, which is unfortunate for any Hammers fans in Kent and Medway.
McAvennie find the whole thing bizarre though and doesn’t see how 2,000 fans attending games will have any impact on the club.
But, the ex-West Ham striker does admit that this will help teams out a lot more if they’re further down the footballing pyramid.
“I think they’ve got that many in there with stewards and everything at the moment anyway,” McAvennie told West Ham Zone when joking about only 2,000 fans being allowed to attend.
“Listen, it’s not going to do anything in a 60,000-seater stadium.
“It’s not going to make a difference at this level. It’s for the lower divisions. It’ll help them down the divisions.
“It’s embarrassing. 2,000 people inside an empty, soulless stadium.
“When everyone can get back in there, I’ll be happy with that.”
It’s hard to see how 2,000 fans will help spur West Ham on but for those who are picked to attend, it will be a special moment for them.
Supporters have been shut out of Premier League matches since March so it will be nice to have some people allowed back in the stands.
But, as McAvennie points out, 2,000 people in a 60,000-seater stadium is hardly going to make any difference.
In other West Ham news, Mark Lawrenson has predicted the result of the Hammers’ clash against Aston Villa.