West Ham skipper Jarrod Bowen has issued an apology after confronting supporters following their Carabao Cup defeat to Wolves. Team-mates Tomas Soucek and Alphonse Areola were spotted restraining Bowen as the captain looked ready to scale the advertising boards to reach the travelling fans at full-time, with stewards also stepping in.
Graham Potter's men had suffered a disappointing loss at Molineux. The Hammers were leading 2-1 with just 10 minutes remaining, only for substitute Jorgen Strand Larsen to net twice in quick succession and complete a quickfire comeback.
Whilst television coverage failed to capture what was exchanged during Bowen's confrontation with supporters, the England star has now released a public statement. "Apologies to the fans for tonight's reaction," he posted on Instagram.
"I'm someone who is passionate and will fight every time I step on the pitch. But I need to set a better example and you fans know how much I love you and this club! We ride through the bad times together and I'll see you all Sunday."
That marks West Ham's return to action with a Premier League away fixture against Nottingham Forest.
"No, I don't know what was said," West Ham manager Potter commented regarding the incident. "Everybody's hurting, rightly so because we've not had the results we'd like.
"That's normal. Jarrod is a fantastic captain and servant for the club. It was just an exchange of views by people who care about the club. The most important relationship at the club is between the fans and the team. The fans are the most important people."
Heading into Tuesday's clash at Molineux, West Ham and Wolves were the sole Premier League sides to have suffered defeats in both their league fixtures this season.