Nuno Espirito Santo's first home match as West Ham United manager was played in front of multiple empty seats on Monday night. The Irons faced Brentford in their latest Premier League tie, but numerous absentees could be seen at the London Stadium as part of a protest against the club's ownership.
The Irons have had a difficult start to the 2025/26 term, with Graham Potter sacked in September after collecting just three points from their opening five league games. While fortunes have somewhat improved under Nuno, the West Ham fanbase is still particularly worried about the direction the club is trending in.
That subsequently led to a protest by supporters' group Hammers United, who called for a total boycott before the match against Brentford. And the effects were clear to see as the game kicked off.
Brentford's Jordan Henderson in action with West Ham United's Tomas Soucek
Premier League - West Ham United v Brentford - London Stadium, London, Britain - October 20, 2025 Brentford's Jordan Henderson in action with West Ham United's Tomas Soucek Action Images via Reuters/Andrew Boyers
Andy Payne, a spokesperson for Hammers United, spoke to GIVEMESPORT on Sunday about the planned boycott, urging supporters to rethink going to the game. The ongoing dispute between supporters and the club's chairman David Sullivan and vice-chair Karren Brady concerns their home ground, with West Ham spending just over £4million annually to play at a stadium that some fans don't want to be at.
It follows protests by the group during the Irons' matches against Crystal Palace, where they marched on the directors' entrance to the London Stadium, and against Arsenal, where black balloons and flags were displayed at the Emirates. They published an open letter last week to lend their support to Nuno, but reiterated that they wanted both Sullivan and Brady to step down.
Following the announcement of the boycott, the club cut prices for the game down to £15 and 'kids for a quid' as they attempted to fill the stadium. But, in spite of their efforts, the effects of the boycott were clear for all to see. Damning footage was uploaded by BBC Sport prior to kick off, showing just how empty the stadium was.
Nuno had spoken about the boycott in his pre-match press conference, urging supporters to attend the game and help motivate the players as they bid to avoid a relegation battle. Per the Evening Standard, he said: "I wish they are there. I wish.
"I hope that all our fans could join us and help us facing Brentford because it's going to be very tough. Like I said, it is an honest reflection [of where the club is at]. It is up to us now to give back to the fans so they can come closer and support us."
Monday night's protest will also not be the final one organised by Hammers United. A sit-in is planned after their match against Newcastle on November 2nd, and another march has been scheduled prior to their match against Burnley.