‘Cancelled’ Croatian authorities move to shut down West Ham group’s plans in Zagreb over ‘security concerns’

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Croatian authorities have moved to shut down plans for West Ham United fans in Zagreb this week.

Thousands of West Ham fans were expected to travel to Zagreb on the first leg of the club’s European tour.

West Ham are in the Europa League group stages for the first time. And David Moyes’s side kick things off with possibly the toughest match they will face in the group stage – away to Dinamo Zagreb.

‘Cancelled’ Croatian authorities move to shut down West Ham fan plans in Zagreb over ‘security concerns’

Hammers fans travelling to Zagreb have been warned by the club’s Croatian supporters group – Croatian Irons – not to wear shirts sporting the name of new signing Nikola Vlasic as it could be seen as provocation by Zagreb’s BBB ultras owing to the fact he played for bitter rivals Hajduk Split.

The supporters group had also arranged a ‘West Ham party’ at Zagreb’s Harat’s Pub.

But Croatian authorities moved to shut down the gathering overnight.

In an announcement on social media, the Croatian Irons said all public gatherings of West Ham fans have been banned by the local authorities and police and therefore the event has been cancelled.

‘We are forced to obey the orders from the police’

“IMPORTANT – EVENT CANCELED!,” Croatian Irons announced on Twitter.

“Local authorities banned today all public gathering of West Ham United supporters, due to security reasons, and we are forced to obey to the orders from the police and cancel the party scheduled for Thursday 16/9 at Harat’s Pub Zagreb.”

Meanwhile West Ham appear to be struggling to sell their small allocation of tickets for the game.

The Hammers were only handed 1,243 tickets for the game at the Stadion Maksimir. So the allocation was expected to be hoovered up by fans with the highest priority points and bond holders.

Small allocation of tickets for Europa tie on sale to season ticket holders with zero priority points

But tickets are now on sale to West Ham season ticket holders with zero priority points – something virtually unheard of.

It is thought a mixture of short notice on ticket details due to UEFA dragging its heels over whether away fans were to be allowed at matches, covid testing requirements and a strict no drinking policy/breathalyser testing at the game itself is putting fans off.

West Ham are expected to sell out the small allocation but at the time of writing tickets are still available.

In other news, Insider addresses concerns over Sullivan ex being on West Ham board after engagement.

And Lingard could still play for West Ham in Europe thanks to new rules.