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West Ham warned fans against an “offensive and divisive” anti-Palestinian chant aimed at Israeli winger Manor Solomon.
West Hame’s Israeli winger Manor Solomon.
West Ham United have warned supporters against singing an ‘offensive and divisive’ chant aimed at winger Manor Solomon after an anti-Palestinian message was heard during their opening Championship fixture at Burnley.
The club said it was aware that some of its travelling fans sang the chant during Sunday’s 2-2 draw at Turf Moor. West Ham said the song, which referred to Solomon’s background as an Israel international and celebrated that he ‘hated Palestine’, contained an ‘anti-Palestine message’.
In a statement, the club reminded supporters that their behaviour reflects on West Ham and urged them to ensure their conduct does not create an intimidating environment for others.
West Ham said they wanted to ‘remind supporters of the responsibility we all hold to represent the club in the right way’ and stressed that ‘each and every supporter is an ambassador’.
The London club signed Solomon, 27, from Tottenham during the summer as they prepare for life in the Championship.
West Ham also emphasised its commitment to providing an inclusive environment for its supporters.
“Regardless of their background, every supporter within our diverse fanbase should also be free to enjoy watching their team play football without fear, discrimination or abuse. And we remain committed to ensuring that everyone feels safe, respected and included.”
The club said fans were encouraged to show their support for the team and its players, but made clear that such backing should not cross into abuse or create divisions within the fanbase.
Solomon has earned 49 international appearances for Israel. The winger began his club career with Maccabi Petah Tikva before establishing himself at Shakhtar Donetsk in Ukraine.
He later spent time in England with Fulham on loan and was subsequently part of the Leeds United side that won the Championship in the 2024-25 season to secure promotion to the Premier League.
His move to West Ham represents a return to the Championship after the winger’s previous spell in the division with Leeds, while the club’s warning comes as it seeks to begin its campaign positively both on and off the pitch.
Solomon has faced public scrutiny, criticism, and praise for expressing vocal, public support for Israel on social media during conflict. West Ham faced similar flak from a section of their supporters when they signed him and have been blocking comments on several posts involving the winger.
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Ask News18West Ham has warned supporters against singing offensive chants and reminded them that their behaviour reflects on the club, urging them to ensure their conduct does not create an intimidating environment for others.
Ask News18August 20, 2026, 18:52 IST
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