UEFA are waiting to push the big red button on West Ham warns a board insider as the Hammers face ‘serious risk’.
West Ham’s squad travel to Greece today ahead of Thursday’s big Europa League clash against Olympiacos.
This time, unlike the previous game at Freiburg, West Ham’s travelling fans will be joining them.
The Hammers can put one foot in the last 16 if they make it three wins from their first three group games.
So having supporters back for what promises to be a hostile atmosphere is great news for David Moyes and his team.
UEFA are waiting to push the big red button on West Ham warns board insider as Hammers face ‘serious risk’
There were also concerns that West Ham fans would not be able to travel to Athens for this game.
There had been intense speculation that the authorities in Greece would ban away supporters at European matches in the city following the tragic death of an AEK Athens fans in clashes with Dinamo Zagreb.
Travelling West Ham fans also clashed with the Croatian club’s supporters on their own trip to Zagreb in the Europa League two seasons ago.
As reported by the likes of Bloomberg, Greek authorities started shutting down fan clubs and clamping down on policing around football matches in the wake of the incident.
There was yet more trouble when Olympiacos’ derby against Panathinaikos was abandoned with the game at 1-1 last weekend after a firework hit a player.
The Hammers are walking into a potential powder keg.
And UEFA are waiting to push the big red button on West Ham warns a board insider as the Hammers face ‘serious risk’.
Hammers fans back but must be on their best behaviour to avoid new suspension as UEFA wait to push the button
Sean Whetstone has stated that any issues involving the club’s travelling support will see UEFA activate a second ban on the Hammers which was suspended pending any further incidents when the original punishment was handed down.
“West Ham are at serious risk of an enforced second away fan ban in Europe if there is any trouble on Thursday night from their supporters,” Whetstone said.
“The Hammers were issued with a £50,000 fine and a European ban for their first two fixtures away from home by UEFA, with the second away game suspended, due to the behaviour of a minority of West Ham supporters during May’s UEFA Europa Conference League Final.
“That first ban was served against SC Freiburg but any trouble this week could see West Ham fans banned from the TSC Bačka Topola away game in November.”
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