West Ham fined £100,000 over crowd trouble at Burnley game last season
Tuesday 22 January 2019 20:03, UK
West Ham have been fined £100,000 by the Football Association following the ugly scenes that took place during their 3-0 home defeat to Burnley last season.
The Premier League club could have faced non-monetary sanctions, including the London Stadium being closed to fans or a points deduction, after a series of incidents at the match on March 10.
A number of fans were seen fighting in the stands, with the director's box - housing co-chairmen David Gold and David Sullivan - also targeted.
Supporters made it onto the pitch at the London Stadium, with Hammers captain Mark Noble throwing one intruder to the ground as another stole a corner flag and held it aloft.
West Ham pointed the finger of blame at venue operator London Stadium 185 (LS185), who are responsible for stewarding on matchdays.
After an FA statement confirming the sanctions, West Ham issued a response in which they revealed 23 supporters had been banned over the past year for the part they played in the unsavoury scenes.
"Following the conclusion of the FA inquiry, we would like to reaffirm our sincere apologies for the scenes witnessed at our home game against Burnley almost a year ago," the club's statement read.
"The club has done everything within its power to address the issues that occurred that day, despite having no control over matchday security operations - a point which is accepted and reflected in the FA's findings.
"In line with our zero-tolerance approach, immediate action was taken against the perpetrators, resulting in 23 banning orders being issued. There is no place for behaviour like that at our club.
"The FA acknowledged the unique set of circumstances under which we operate. The club is ultimately held responsible for matchday security despite the fact that LS185 the stadium operator, hold the safety certificate, and therefore along with stadium landlord E20, control matchday operations."
In its findings, the FA highlighted several issues, including the number of stewards provided on matchdays by LS185, and the quality of training those stewards had received.
The FA also noted the "difficulty" of West Ham's position, insofar as stadium owners E20 control safety decisions and LS185 are responsible for stewarding.
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West Ham say relations with E20 and LS185 have now improved, although they want more involvement in matchday decisions.
They said: "Since the events in March last year, the club has worked with its landlord and operator to ensure issues must be acknowledged transparently and the criticism from the FA dealt with promptly.
"Nineteen recommended changes have been made, of which 18 have been completed and the last one, which requires building works, is ongoing.
"This, together with a number of significant changes in the matchday operation, have resulted in no further serious incidents in the stadium.
"The club has made it clear for some time we would like to have greater control over our matchdays. We have the experience, know-how and a track record of success to oversee matchday operations."
