West Ham Fans Protest Sullivan & Brady at Burton 2026

Key Points

• West Ham United fans staged protests at Burton Albion’s Pirelli Stadium during an away match, holding up a large display in the away end reading “Time 2 Sell – Name Your Price”.
• A season ticket holder was recently banned from attending fixtures for displaying an oversized banner with the same message, “Time 2 Sell – Name Your Price”.
• A plane flew over the Pirelli Stadium bearing the message: “Sullivan & Brady out – No more BS”, directly targeting West Ham chairman David Sullivan and vice-chair Karren Brady.
• These actions represent ongoing fan discontent with the club’s leadership amid a challenging season.
• Karren Brady is scheduled to attend a meeting later this month with West Ham’s Fan Advisory Board to discuss the club’s direction, ticketing issues, and problems at the London Stadium.
• The club’s leadership, described as stubborn by observers, is unlikely to react positively to the escalating protests.

Burton upon Trent (East London Times) February 14, 2026 – West Ham United supporters escalated their protests against club chairman David Sullivan and vice-chair Karren Brady during Saturday’s away fixture at Burton Albion’s Pirelli Stadium, displaying a large banner reading “Time 2 Sell – Name Your Price” in the away end and deploying an aeroplane trailing the message “Sullivan & Brady out – No more BS”. This follows the recent banning of a season ticket holder for an oversized version of the same banner, highlighting deepening fan frustration with the club’s ownership. Karren Brady’s upcoming meeting with the Fan Advisory Board later this month, focusing on the club’s direction, ticketing, and London Stadium issues, comes amid this unrest.

What Triggered the Latest West Ham Fan Protests?

The protests at Burton upon Trent mark a continuation of supporter dissatisfaction that has simmered throughout the season. As reported by the West Ham Zone team, fans held up the display reading “Time 2 Sell – Name Your Price” in the away end, a direct echo of the banned season ticket holder’s banner. This individual faced a prohibition from fixtures for what the club deemed an oversized banner bearing the identical slogan, underscoring tensions over freedom of expression among supporters.

The aerial banner added a dramatic flair, with the plane circling Pirelli Stadium proclaiming “Sullivan & Brady out – No more BS”. This pointed attack on David Sullivan and Karren Brady reflects broader grievances about the club’s performance and management. According to West Ham Zone’s coverage, these actions are part of ongoing demonstrations taking place at West Ham matches, signalling persistent unrest.

Why Was a Season Ticket Holder Banned?

A key flashpoint preceded the Burton protest. The season ticket holder incurred a ban for holding an oversized banner stating “Time 2 Sell – Name Your Price”. West Ham Zone detailed this incident as the catalyst for fans replicating the message on a compliant scale during the away game. The ban has fuelled perceptions of heavy-handed club responses to dissent, amplifying calls for ownership change.

Club officials viewed the original banner as violating stadium regulations on size, but supporters see it as emblematic of stifled voices. This event, as chronicled by West Ham Zone, has galvanised the fanbase, leading to coordinated displays like the one at Burton Albion.

What Does the Aeroplane Banner Signify?

The plane’s message, “Sullivan & Brady out – No more BS”, flew prominently over Pirelli Stadium, drawing immediate attention. West Ham Zone reported this as another direct assault on chairman David Sullivan and vice-chair Karren Brady, accusing them of misleading or ineffective leadership – the “BS” interpreted as “bullshit” in fan parlance.

Such flyovers are a traditional yet bold protest method in English football, evoking past fan campaigns at clubs like Manchester City or Newcastle United. Here, it personalises the ire towards Sullivan and Brady, who have helmed West Ham since 2010, overseeing the move to the London Stadium but facing criticism over results and infrastructure.

How Does Karren Brady’s Fan Advisory Board Meeting Fit In?

Amid the turmoil, Karren Brady will attend a meeting with West Ham’s Fan Advisory Board later this month. West Ham Zone revealed this development, noting discussions will cover the club’s direction, alongside ticketing and issues at the London Stadium. This follows revelations of Brady’s involvement, positioning her as a bridge between ownership and supporters.

The London Stadium has long been contentious, with complaints over sightlines, atmosphere, and facilities persisting since West Ham’s 2016 relocation from Upton Park. Ticketing woes, including pricing and allocation, compound these. The meeting offers a potential dialogue platform, though scepticism lingers given the “stubborn pair” label applied to Sullivan and Brady by observers.

Who Are David Sullivan and Karren Brady?

David Sullivan serves as West Ham United’s chairman, having assumed control alongside Brady in January 2010 through a consortium purchase. Karren Brady, Baroness Brady, acts as vice-chair, bringing business acumen from her Apprentice TV fame and prior Birmingham City role. West Ham Zone’s reporting frames them as the “stubborn pair at the helm”, unlikely to respond favourably to protests.

Sullivan, a property magnate, has invested heavily, yet the club languishes mid-table or lower in recent seasons, prompting sale demands. Brady’s public profile includes advocacy for women’s football and stadium legacy uses post-Olympics. Their tenure includes Europa Conference League progress but also relegation battles.

What Might Be the Ownership’s Reaction?

Speculation abounds on how David Sullivan and Karren Brady could react. West Ham Zone posits they “will not have reacted positively”, given their history of firm stances on dissent – witness the banner ban. Possible responses include statements reaffirming commitment, enhanced security measures, or legal action against flyover organisers, as seen in past Premier League cases.

The “stubborn” characterisation suggests defiance over capitulation. Sullivan has previously dismissed sale talk, citing financial stability. Brady might leverage the Fan Advisory meeting for PR, framing it as engagement. However, intensified protests could pressure dialogue or even exploratory sale discussions, though no concrete moves are reported.

Why Are Fans So Frustrated with West Ham Leadership?

Fan anger stems from prolonged underachievement despite investment. The London Stadium transition promised uplift but delivered diluted atmosphere and persistent issues. Recent seasons’ inconsistencies, managerial turnover, and perceived mismanagement fuel the “Time 2 Sell” clarion.

West Ham Zone’s narrative highlights the protests’ persistence across fixtures. The banned banner and flyover symbolise exasperation with Sullivan and Brady’s unyielding grip. Supporters demand accountability, better facilities, and competitive success.

What Role Does the Fan Advisory Board Play?

The Fan Advisory Board represents organised supporter input. Karren Brady’s attendance, as per West Ham Zone, signals intent to address grievances head-on. Agenda items – club direction, ticketing, London Stadium – mirror protest themes.

Past boards have influenced minor concessions, like ticketing tweaks. This meeting’s timing, post-Burton, tests its efficacy. Outcomes could de-escalate or, if dismissed, intensify unrest.

How Have Similar Protests Played Out in Football?

Football history brims with ownership protests. Manchester United’s Glazer resistance featured flyovers and boycotts; Newcastle fans ousted Ashley via sustained pressure. West Ham’s echoes these, but Sullivan and Brady’s longevity sets it apart.

At West Ham, prior anti-Sullivan demos followed poor runs. The Burton escalation, per West Ham Zone, marks heightened visibility. Regulatory bodies like the Premier League monitor such unrest, potentially mandating owner-fan forums.

What Lies Ahead for West Ham Supporters and Ownership?

The Burton protests underscore a rift unlikely to heal swiftly. Karren Brady’s meeting offers a forum, but Sullivan and Brady’s track record hints at resistance. Fans vow continuation until addressed.

Club statements are absent thus far, but expect responses post-match. Resolution hinges on concessions or escalation. As West Ham navigates February 2026 fixtures, Pirelli Stadium’s echoes may reverberate, pressuring the boardroom.