Darren Bent believes that West Ham fans have dismissed a theory about them

Darren Bent believes that West Ham fans have blown the theory about them being difficult to play for out of the water.

Speaking on talkSPORT, the former Premier League forward hailed the Hammers fans for the atmosphere they created on Thursday night in the Europa League.

It has been suggested that one of the only reasons David Moyes’ side did well last season was because of the lack of fans, but Bent believes that theory has been blown away.

He said: “[People say that] maybe because at times it can be a tough place to play that the reason they did so well last year is because there [were] no supporters in the stadium.

“They’ve quickly put that to bed.”

Andy Goldstein then also praised the Irons who filled the ground on Thursday.

He said: “50,000 when you think that Man City got 30,000 for a Champions League game.

“So well done West Ham fans for going and supporting your club.”

West Ham fans finally receiving the praise they deserve.

This theory about the Irons only doing well because the stadiums were empty is a load of rubbish [talkSPORT].

It is clear from every match, both home and away, that the Hammers have one the best fanbases in the country, and the criticism aimed at them was unfair.

West Ham

Yes, at times, it has been a hostile place to play football, but that anger was almost solely aimed at the board and not the players on the pitch at the time [Mirror].

They showed on Thursday – minus the crowd trouble – just what European nights at the London Stadium can and should be like.

Hopefully, the Irons’ European adventure isn’t just a flash in the pan, and Moyes can make the Hammers a consistent European side.

However, we totally agree with Bent, and this theory about West Ham fans being difficult to play for should now be wiped from the face of the earth.

In other West Ham news, a report has revealed what punishment some Irons are set to receive after ugly scenes on Thursday.

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