Key Points
- West Ham United issued an official statement asking supporters to cease chanting an offensive, divisive anti-Palestine song directed at new signing Manor Solomon.
- The chant was heard during West Ham’s opening 2-2 draw away at Burnley in the 2026/27 EFL Championship, where Solomon scored the team’s second goal.
- Social media footage captured travelling supporters chanting: “Manor Solomon’s on my mind, and he hates the Palestine.”
- The club reinforced its founding values of equality, diversity, and inclusion ahead of its upcoming home opener against Charlton Athletic at the 62,500-capacity London Stadium.
- Israeli forward Manor Solomon recently joined West Ham on a three-year contract after previous stints with Tottenham Hotspur, Fulham, Leeds United, Shakhtar Donetsk, Villarreal, Fiorentina, and Maccabi Petah Tikva.
London (East London Times) August 21, 2026 – West Ham United has officially condemned a section of its travelling support for singing an offensive anti-Palestine chant centered on the club’s newest signing, Israeli international forward Manor Solomon. The incident occurred during the opening match of the 2026/27 EFL Championship campaign, where West Ham played out a 2-2 draw away against Burnley on Sunday. Despite Solomon scoring the second goal on his competitive debut for the East London side, video footage circulated across social media platforms revealed fans chanting:
“Manor Solomon’s on my mind, and he hates the Palestine.”
What action has West Ham United taken regarding the chant?
In a formal statement released on Thursday, West Ham United urged supporters to refrain from singing the chant ahead of their upcoming home opener against Charlton Athletic at the London Stadium, where an estimated 62,500 spectators are expected to attend.
The club explicitly condemned the chant, describing it as an
“offensive and divisive chant containing an anti-Palestine message.”
West Ham United stated:
“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 offense among fellow fans.”
How does the club view its historical and community identity?
The club highlighted its long-standing tradition of community inclusion and multicultural heritage within East London, emphasizing that such conduct undermines the values established over its 131-year history.
West Ham United stated:
“We are immensely proud of the fact that West Ham United has always been an inclusive football club, ever since our formation in 1895 … in the 131 years that have followed, that identity has evolved with the club located in one of the most diverse and multicultural areas of London, always open and welcoming to those who become members of the West Ham family and share the values we cherish.”
The club reiterated that “equality, equity, diversity, and inclusion are at the heart of the club” and expressed firm faith in football’s capacity to unite people across cultural and political divides.
West Ham United added:
“We expect those who represent the club – be that players, staff, officials, or supporters – to share those values and ensure that, 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.”
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Who is Manor Solomon and what is his professional background?
Manor Solomon, 27, joined West Ham United earlier this month on a three-year contract following a spell at North London rivals Tottenham Hotspur. The winger began his senior career at Israeli outfit Maccabi Petah Tikva before moving to Ukrainian side Shakhtar Donetsk, where he secured three Ukrainian Premier League titles.
His career trajectory includes premier European experience with Fulham, Leeds United (during their Championship title-winning campaign), Spanish club Villarreal, and Italian side Fiorentina, before making his latest career move to East London.
Background of the Development
The modern football landscape in England has increasingly intersected with global political developments, leading clubs and governing bodies to monitor crowd behaviour continuously.
Football authorities and individual clubs maintain strict regulations concerning politically charged, discriminatory, or offensive language within stadiums. West Ham’s proactive statement reflects standard protocol across English football, aiming to address divisive crowd conduct rapidly before major home fixtures.
This development directly affects matchday supporters, football club administrators, and regulatory bodies within English football. For West Ham United’s fan base, the club’s firm stance reinforces strict standards of stadium conduct ahead of a major crowd gathering at London Stadium.
For club officials and stadium stewards, it necessitates heightened vigilance regarding crowd chanting and potential disciplinary measures should divisive messaging persist. Furthermore, it highlights the ongoing operational challenge for governing bodies in ensuring football grounds remain inclusive environments for fans of all backgrounds.
