West Ham United: How fans reacted when Kalvin Phillips was named in announcement v Spurs
BBC journalist Emma Smith says there was “no notable reaction” from West Ham fans to the name of Kalvin Phillips being read out prior to the Tottenham game.
Phillips was filmed putting his middle finger up to a West Ham fan who was giving him abuse after another error in the 4-3 loss to Newcastle United last weekend.
The Manchester City loanee was back on the substitutes’ bench for Tuesday’s (2 April) Premier League clash with Tottenham at London Stadium.
In a post shared via BBC Sport’s matchday blog [2 April, 8:05pm], Smith said: “No notable reaction in the London Stadium to Kalvin Phillips’ name being read out as one of the West Ham subs.
“Phillips has endured a torrid time since joining on loan in January, with the nadir reached on Saturday as he was introduced from the bench with the Hammers 3-1 up at Newcastle.
“Phillips gave away a penalty as West Ham shipped three goals to lose 4-3, before he was captured on camera making a rude hand gesture to a supporter. Things can only get better…”
West Ham fans will get behind Kalvin Phillips
The penalty given away by Phillips against Newcastle was unfortunate – some would say it was harsh to have even pointed to the spot – but that alone was not why he was targeted by the fan in question.
It was rather an accumulation of mistakes, which includes gifting Bournemouth a goal on his debut and getting sent off against Nottingham Forest.
Phillips is going through a very tough time of things right now – not helped by losing his place in the England squad – and needs United fans to rally behind him.
It is quite clear now that the former Leeds United player will not be staying at London Stadium beyond the end of his loan spell from Manchester City.
Rather than letting Phillips sink further, supporters as a whole need to get behind him and hope he can show exactly what he is capable of.
In other West Ham news, a former Premier League player has given his suggestion as to what Moyes should do with Phillips.
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