Tony Cottee makes damning claim as West Ham fans stage London Stadium protest
West Ham supporters have shown their frustrations towards the hierarchy before the game against Crystal Palace.
Frustrations were on full show last weekend as West Ham fans started to leave the London Stadium after just 64 minutes against Tottenham, with the Hammers 3-0 down.
After the defeat, former West Ham striker Tony Cottee described the London Stadium as ‘friendly’ in comparison to their old ground, Upton Park.
Cottee has again expressed his frustration with the Irons’ hierarchy, following four losses from five and a disappointing summer transfer window.
West Ham hierarchy ‘saying the fans are right’ – Tony Cottee
A defeat to Crystal Palace could see plenty of change in East London, with Graham Potter on the verge of being sacked by West Ham.
With results not going the Hammers’ way, and frustrations growing against David Sullivan and the hierarchy, supporters organised a protest.
The static protest has lined the route along Marshgate Lane from Pudding Mill Lane station down to the directors’ entrance to the London Stadium prior to the game against Palace.
Supporters have been demanding that Sullivan step down as West Ham chairman, and want a shuffle in the board.
- Just five players remain from the squad that won the Conference League
- The Hammers now lack depth across the defence, midfield and attack
- The hierarchy blamed PSR for the lack of summer transfer business
The Irons have had a succession of unsuccessful seasons since winning the Europa Conference League and have yet to make any progress.
Speaking to The Athletic, Cottee expressed his frustrations at the way the Hammers are being run and addressed the statement released by the club in the week.
“If you’ve got to issue statements like that, it’s basically saying the fans are right. That’s how I read it,” he said.
“If you’re doing everything right and the fans are happy, you don’t need to come out with these statements.
“It was an attempt to keep the fans on board, but there’s so much frustration among supporters. The fans are well within their rights to protest.”
‘I don’t like the way the way things have been handled’ – Tony Cottee
Cottee has previously been an ambassador and media representative for West Ham, but has since stepped back from the role.
He has been vocal in expressing his disappointment with the direction the Irons have gone in over the last 18 months.
“I don’t work for the club anymore, so I can say things that perhaps others can’t. I have a season ticket, which I pay for,” he said.
“I don’t get complimentary tickets, nor would I want one from this board. I’ve been a fan since I was six and I talk from the heart. I don’t think the board will ever change.
“They have a certain way of running the club. I don’t like the way things have been handled in the last 18 months, from their treatment of David Moyes and the appointment of Julen Lopetegui.”
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