Tuesday 27 March 2018 16:23, UK
West Ham captain Mark Noble has pleaded with the club's fans to behave in the five remaining home matches of the season.
Pitch invasions and widespread supporter unrest in the stands marred West Ham's 3-0 defeat to Burnley on March 10.
West Ham have issued lifetime bans to at least five supporters involved in the disturbances, while an unspecified number of supporters suffered the same fate for hurling verbal abuse and coins at owners David Sullivan and David Gold in the directors' box.
Noble described the game as his most difficult in almost 20 years at West Ham and says he never wants to see scenes like that again.
"Our last home game against Burnley was one of my toughest days in nearly 20 years at West Ham, and I never want to see scenes like that again. None of us do," Noble told the club's website.
"We need everyone to be together and to be behind the team, because positive vibes inspire the players... on the flip side, negativity can affect players' concentration and confidence, as I believe it did in the second half against Burnley."
West Ham supporters are unhappy about the club's move from Upton Park - which was their home from 1904-2016 - while a difficult season has added to their frustration.
The Hammers are 17th in the Premier League with 30 points from as many games, sitting just two points above the relegation zone. The defeat by Burnley was their 14th of the campaign.
"This season has not gone how we'd all hoped it would, but I'd ask you to channel your passion to get behind the team, help us get through the season with our Premier League status intact, and we can reassess things in the summer," Noble added.
West Ham entertain 18th-placed Southampton at the London Stadium on Saturday, before hosting Manchester United, Stoke City, Manchester City and Everton in the remainder of the season.
