Wednesday 18 May 2016 16:33, UK
West Ham have cancelled a fixture involving their women's team to ensure the club's Premier League victory over Manchester United will remain the last fixture ever played at the Boleyn Ground.
The club had agreed to allow West Ham Ladies to play against an 'All-Star' team on June 5, but decided to call off the match following criticism from a section of the club's supporters.
Slaven Bilic's side are moving to the Olympic Stadium for the start of next season after 112 years at the Boleyn Ground and their final home match was a dramatic 3-2 win against United on May 10.
The build-up to the game may have been marred by objects being thrown at the visitors' team bus but many fans felt the game itself, which was followed by a lengthy post-match celebration in the stadium, was a fitting finale for the famous old venue.
"The proposed game between West Ham Ladies and a West Ham 'All Stars' team scheduled for Sunday June 5 has been cancelled," read a statement from the club.
"The club has taken the decision to call off the match in response to direct comments from supporters, a poll conducted on the official website and fan feedback on social media.
"West Ham Ladies played under the lights at the Boleyn Ground back in March when they faced Tottenham Ladies and dialogue remains open between West Ham Ladies and the club with regards to the hosting of future fixtures."
West Ham Ladies joint-chairman Stephen Hunt remains hopeful another fixture can be arranged once the club makes the move to Stratford.
"Obviously the Ladies are disappointed, but myself and Jack Sullivan (son of joint-chairman David) will get together over the summer to see what else we can do in the future," he said.
