Angelo Ogbonna and Tomas Soucek spark ‘loud boos’ and ‘jeers’ from Olympiacos ultras as footage emerges before kick off
Angelo Ogbonna caused “loud boos, jeers and whistles” from the Olympiacos ultras ahead of kick off against West Ham, according to Jordan Davies.
The Sun journalist reported from Greece via Twitter on 26 October that the Hammers defender had “walked straight up to” the home fans ahead of the game, shortly before teammate Tomas Soucek did the same, as he shared a video clip from the stadium.
The Italian defender can be seen marching over to the goal as he surveyed the pitch before the Europa League game, which some of the Greek fans already in the stands over an hour and a half ahead of kick-off reacted to with boos.
The Irons are looking to continue their 100% start in the group stage, having taken six points from six to top Group A.
Up for the challenge
It won’t mean much unless they reproduce it on the pitch but it certainly appears as though the West Ham squad, or at least two of them, are not shying away from what is likely to be a tough assignment.
The 47-time Greek champions have got off to an inauspicious start to their European campaign with just one point from two games, so David Moyes will want to capitalise on that with another win here.
Ogbonna, 35, as a veteran in his 23rd season in senior football is clearly not bothered by the prospect of an intimidating atmosphere, and it sounds like Soucek isn’t either.
Coming off a bruising 4-1 defeat at Aston Villa at the weekend this game is an opportunity to re-assert some authority for West Ham, in a competition where they have so far impressed.
Moyes and his players need to stay on track domestically to avoid the struggles of last term, and potentially to keep the Scot in a job, but the previous two seasons have shown what a galvanising force a positive European run can be.
After years without continental success to speak of the Irons made it to the Europa League semi-final two seasons ago, before lifting the Europa Conference League trophy in May, and have now made a strong start this term so will want to continue with that in Greece.
In other West Ham news, an Irons star has named the Liverpool legend he is looking to emulate.