Sky sources understand around 30 coins were thrown at Sullivan, who left early in attempt to defuse situation
Sunday 11 March 2018 13:33, UK
West Ham co-owner David Sullivan was hit by a coin during the fan protests at the London Stadium on Saturday.
Supporters invaded the pitch on several occasions during the 3-0 defeat to Burnley, while hundreds of others congregated beneath the directors' box to protest against the club's board.
Sky sources understand around 30 coins were thrown at the directors' box, including larger £2 coins - leaving 81-year-old co-owner David Gold in tears after the game.
Sullivan and Gold were advised to leave the match early for their own safety and former Hammers midfielder Sir Trevor Brooking has confirmed Sullivan was hit by a projectile during the protests.
"I think a coin did hit David Sullivan, his glasses," Brooking told the BBC.
"I didn't see it myself but I did have that confirmed, which was part of the reason why the people in the directors' box had to go inside to save any more problems like that."
West Ham have confirmed they are working with the authorities to identify the pitch invaders who interrupted the match, and have also launched an internal investigation into the protests.
Mark Noble clashed with one supporter who invaded the pitch and the West Ham captain insisted he had a right to defend himself after the match.
"People have got to realise we are footballers and we are targets, but we have got to protect ourselves," he told Sky Sports.
"Obviously there were a number of fans that got on the pitch and a lot of them were running over to where the chairmen were sat.
"But if someone approaches me personally, I'm going to protect myself, for sure."
