West Ham United at ‘serious risk’ of UEFA punishment ahead of Olympiacos clash
West Ham are at serious risk of a second enforced away fan ban in Europe if there is crowd trouble during their Europa League visit to Olympiacos, according to Sean Whetstone.
The 6foot2 fanzine editor has shared via his Twitter account that West Ham fans could be banned from attending the away fixture against TSC Backa Topola in November.
One charge was already given to the Hammers this season, fans were banned from the opening Europa League away clash with Freiburg as a result of the crowd trouble during the Europa Conference League final.
Best behaviour
It has become clear so far this season that UEFA are focusing their attention on quelling any potential crowd trouble in their fixtures, handing out bans, fines and punishments to clubs and fans at the first sign of trouble in the stands.
Bayern Munich fans recently displayed a banner in protest of the punishments imposed by the governing body, calling for UEFA to stop punishing fans so heavily. The German fans blasted UEFA for referring to fans as the lifeblood of the game despite their clear stance otherwise.
Ahead of the game in Athens, Greek police have informed West Ham supporters they will travel to the game via a coach convoy with a police escort and will be locked in the stadium for half an hour after the final whistle for safety reasons. [Daily Mail, 24 October]
Fans will now need to be on their best behaviour if they want to avoid another ban from the European governing body, having already missed the opportunity to attend one of their Europa League group games this season.
In other West Ham news, one Aston Villa star was open to a move with the Hammers interested.