Sullivan Attends West Ham’s Carabao Cup Tie Despite Controversy

David Sullivan returned to London Stadium on Tuesday night, cutting a familiar figure in unfamiliar circumstances.

The former West Ham United co-chairman, who resigned in June after seven women accused him of sexually exploitative and predatory behaviour — allegations he categorically denies — took his seat for the club’s Carabao Cup tie against Portsmouth despite being advised to stay away from home matches.

This was no routine early-round cup fixture. It was West Ham’s first competitive game since the allegations against Sullivan were made public, and their first appearance in the opening round of the EFL Cup for 15 years, a stark reminder of last season’s relegation from the Premier League.

The backdrop has grown darker in recent weeks. A joint investigation by BBC Panorama and The Times revealed that Sullivan has been banned from contact with West Ham’s women’s and youth teams for the past three years because of safeguarding concerns. That detail reshaped the context of his presence at any club event, let alone a high-profile home game.

Sullivan stepped down from his role as co-chairman but not from the club’s power structure. He remains West Ham’s largest single shareholder, holding a 38.8% stake. His influence may have shifted, but it has not disappeared.

On Monday, a spokesperson for London Stadium told BBC News the venue had “recommended” to West Ham that Sullivan should not attend, citing concerns over potential fan unrest. The suggestion underlined the tension around his continued association with the club.

He came anyway.

If there were fears of an immediate flashpoint, they did not materialise. There were no obvious problems inside the ground before kick-off or in the early stages of the match. The focus, at least outwardly, stayed on the football as West Ham began the long road back from relegation in front of a fanbase still processing what Sullivan’s ongoing presence means for their club.