David Sullivan embarrassed by Declan Rice as West Ham United relegated

West Ham United were officially relegated from the Premier League on Sunday, and it’s the result of years of mismanagement from the very top.

Despite beating Leeds 3-0 at the London Stadium, the Irons will play Championship football next season.

It has been another shocking year under Graham Potter and Nuno Espirito Santo, with fans making that very clear every single week against David Sullivan and the board.

Karren Brady got out and made her exit official before the backlash from relegation could be thrown in her face, but her role won’t be forgotten in the soulless move to the Olympic Stadium.

And despite Declan Rice lifting the Premier League title with Arsenal on the same day, he still found time to lash out in anger at West Ham’s relegation.

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What was Declan Rice spotted doing?

Rice was preparing to lift the Premier League title at Crystal Palace, when he was spotted looking at results from behind the stands and hitting out in anger.

With the announcer also revealing results at Selhurst Park, the former Irons midfielder looked gutted at his former side dropping to the Championship.

So, surely Sullivan had a similar reaction at the London Stadium?

No, instead, he left his seat and the stands before the full-time whistle even went, refusing to stand up against the warranted protests that were coming his way.

It was simply embarrassing and showed cowardice on another level.

Could relegation lead to a West Ham United takeover?

It’s always a possibility, but right now, it appears unlikely.

Daniel Kretinsky is looking to increase his stake in West Ham with part of the Gold family’s shareholding, with Sullivan not expected to move along either.

David Sullivan has a 38.8 per cent stake in West Ham United
Credit: Breaking Media and Imago

If it were to happen, though, we have seen rumours in recent weeks.

Amanda Staveley, known for her time at Newcastle, has been looking at huge investment from America to aid another takeover, with West Ham mentioned.

Either way, relegation and the loss of Premier League revenue make that all very unlikely, and with worrying finances already, player sales are the first step of this journey.

West Ham need to stabilise both on and off the pitch first, before making sure that their stay in the Championship only lasts for one season.