West Ham United supporters turned out in large numbers to protest outside the London Stadium on Saturday, calling for sweeping changes at the top of the club.
BBC reports that the fans demanded chairman David Sullivan and vice-chair Karren Brady step down, accusing them of overseeing years of decline despite the club’s recent European success.
The large-scale protest came in the build-up to West Ham’s Premier League contest against Crystal Palace, with the Hammers sitting 18th in the table.
West Ham went on to lose 2-1 to their capital rivals, stretching their wretched record to one win in their opening five Premier League games (L4).
The Hammers have also been eliminated from the EFL Cup by fellow Premier League strugglers Wolverhampton Wanderers.
Saturday’s protest was organised by supporters’ groups Hammers United and Crossed Hammers. It saw thousands of fans march from Stratford and along Marshgate Lane carrying banners and flags.
Messages included “Just resign” and “Sold us a dream, living the nightmare,” reflecting long-standing anger at Sullivan and Brady’s leadership.
Hammers United described the demonstration as “the start of a sustained campaign,” and insisted that they’re ready to carry out more legal and peaceful action.
“With Brady and Sullivan at the helm, our club is going to die,” the group declared, urging fans to stand united in forcing change.
The fans are already planning to boycott the upcoming televised home game against Brentford.
West Ham in turmoil
The protests come just weeks after West Ham’s official fan advisory board issued a vote of no confidence in the current leadership.
They say the club has failed to build on their Europa Conference League success in 2023 through poor transfer business, and also cited the ongoing dissatisfaction with the matchday experience at the London Stadium.
Potter, who has only won six out of his 22 Premier League games since taking over from Julen Lopetegui in January, admitted that the club’s situation has left “everyone hurting”.
The club recently issued a statement acknowledging the poor results and performances over the past two seasons, but insisted that significant investment has been made.
West Ham are in turmoil, and many supporters believe that Sullivan and Brady’s 15-year tenure has run its course. They want new leadership, and their voices will only grow louder in the coming days.