West Ham have clarified their stance on Remembrance Day poppies, following an internal email leak which suggested that they had banned them from club shirts ahead of their Premier League match against Burnley.
On social media, the leaked email suggested that while West Ham "deeply respect the significance" of the poppy and activities on a poignant day, they added that they "must be led by the club on all initiatives for various operational and safeguarding reasons." It went on to say that they had decided not to wear them during fixtures this weekend.
That had sparked outrage among fans and other commentators online, including activist Tommy Robinson, who criticised the club for celebrating Ramadan but not Remembrance Day.
West Ham fan Thomas Skinner then wrote on social media that the club had contacted him directly, stating that a new employee had written the email and had misrepresented the club, who had not banned the poppy. The club then provided more information in a preview for their match on Saturday afternoon, stating that they will continue to observe Remembrance activities, which included wearing shirts which featured the Poppy.
More to follow...