West Ham have appealed to supporters to drop a song relating to new signing Manor Solomon, which has been determined to be both "offensive and divisive".
The song, which contains lyrics pertaining to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East was originally sung by Leeds United fans during Solomon's loan spell at Elland Road in the 2024/25 season.
However on Sunday against Burnley at Turf Moor, it was also heard in the away end where it was repeated by a number of West Ham supporters.
Sung to the tune of Manfred Mann's 1960's hit 'Do Wah Diddy Diddy', the words state: "Manor Solomon is on my mind, and he hates Palestine." And following a deluge of complaints since Sunday's match, the club have now asked fans not to continue to join in with the chant.
A statement published on West Ham's website on Thursday highlighted the issue, just 48 hours before the club welcomes fellow London club Charlton to Stratford for its first home Championship game of the season.
"The club is aware of an offensive and divisive chant, containing an anti-Palestine message, being sung by a section of away supporters during our opening EFL Championship match at Burnley," it read.
"We understand that singing and chanting is a traditional and deeply-embedded part of the matchday experience. We encourage our supporters to sing loud and proud about their football club and the players wearing the claret and blue shirt – but never in a way that creates division or causes offence among fellow fans.
"Equality, equity, diversity and inclusion are at the heart of the club and we believe in the power of football to unite and bring people together. Regardless of individual backgrounds or beliefs, we are as our name says: 'United'. Let’s make sure our support is something to be proud of, and the envy of all who face us."
As is mandatory for the vast majority of Israeli teenagers, Solomon - who has won 49 caps for his country since making his debut in 2018 - completed national service in the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) prior to becoming a professional footballer.
He has previously shared posts on his social media account which appear to support the Israeli government's position in the conflict, while revealing how, while on loan with Villarreal in Spain last season, he was subject to the most vile abuse due to his nationality.
"In Spain, nobody spoke to me except the coach, who spoke English," Solomon revealed. "Fortunately, there was an Israeli working there who sorted everything out for me. As soon as I signed in Spain, I received tens or hundreds of thousands of hate messages. ‘Burn’, ‘Die’, things about my wife.
"Their ultras insulted me the whole time. They put a Palestinian flag in my face, an Israeli flag covered in blood. They have no idea what we’re going through or what’s really happening. If you ask me, I’ll explain it - just don’t come with a bad attitude."
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