**Prior to West Ham’s cup clash with Burton Albion on Saturday, an aerial protest against the Hammers’ board was spotted above Pirelli Stadium.**
It’s no secret that West Ham fans are frustrated with David Sullivan and Karren Brady, as has most recently been proven by the flurry of “No More BS” red cards that have been spotted in the stands at London Stadium and beyond. Along with a plane carrying a message that read “Sullivan & Brady Out – No More BS”, the red cards were on show once again in the FA Cup.
On TNT Sports, when the camera cut to the cards in the stands, commentator and former Spurs midfielder Glenn Hoddle had a suggestion for the frustrated Hammers fans.
Hoddle remarked that West Ham fans should “get behind their team” rather than protest against their owners, completely missing the point of the protest.
The image of all those West Ham fans making their feelings known is powerful and shows just how sick of the current board the fans are. However, during a rather dire first half in which very little happened for either team, rather than discussing why Hammers fans might be protesting with fellow commentator Adam Summerton, Hoddle chose to simply shut down the conversation.
For a Spurs player of 17 years to undercut the protest by getting up on his high horse about West Ham fans was, frankly, disrespectful.
It was also laughably out of touch. West Ham fans don’t need to be told to get behind their team — those protesting in the stands still made the trip to Staffordshire to support their side against League One opposition. Additionally, West Ham consistently find themselves near the top of the charts when it comes to attendance in the Premier League.
Hoddle’s remarks are just another instance of mainstream media pundits criticising West Ham fans for wanting more. It’s becoming exhausting to consistently hear former players from “big six” sides lecturing supporters and suggesting that they should be grateful for what they have and careful what they wish for.
In a season filled with such darkness, it’s no surprise that the protests have ramped up. Fan frustration with the board is becoming more evident, even to neutrals — but it’s important for Hammers fans to keep voicing their concerns, even if it is met with smug remarks from those who have no regard for the club or its supporters.