West Ham Condemns Offensive Chant Aimed at Manor Solomon
West Ham have issued a firm rebuke to a section of their own supporters after an "offensive and divisive" chant aimed at Manor Solomon was heard during their Championship opener at Burnley.
The club confirmed they were aware of a song containing an "anti-Palestine message" directed at the Israel international, sung by some away fans during last Sunday’s 2-2 draw at Turf Moor.
Solomon, recently signed from Tottenham, has become a familiar face to English crowds after loan spells at Fulham and Leeds, but his arrival in east London has now been overshadowed by the controversy.
Club calls for responsibility
Ahead of their first home league game of the season against Charlton, West Ham moved to draw a clear line. In a statement, the club reminded fans of the standards expected when they pull on claret and blue scarves and shirts.
They stressed that "each and every supporter is an ambassador for West Ham United" and underlined that, regardless of background, everyone inside the ground "should also be free to enjoy watching their team play football without fear, discrimination or abuse".
The message was unambiguous: the London club wants the London Stadium to feel like a home for all.
West Ham reiterated their commitment to ensuring "everyone feels safe, respected and included", while recognising the heartbeat of any matchday lies in its noise and colour. The club accepted that singing and chanting are "a traditional and deeply embedded part of the matchday experience" and urged fans to keep that passion focused on backing the team.
They encouraged supporters to sing "loud and proud" for West Ham and for the players in claret and blue – but not in a way "that creates division or causes offence among fellow fans".
Solomon’s growing profile
Solomon, 27, has been capped 49 times by Israel and arrives with a strong pedigree. He won three league titles with Shakhtar Donetsk in Ukraine before his move to English football, where a loan at Fulham showcased his attacking flair.
Last season he played his part in helping Leeds win the Championship in 2024-25, underlining his impact at this level.
Now at West Ham, he finds himself at the centre of a wider conversation about how football crowds express themselves – and where the line is drawn between passion and prejudice.
