West Ham United have discouraged supporters from singing an “offensive and divisive” Manor Solomon chant heard during their season-opening draw at Burnley last weekend.Solomon joined in the summer from Tottenham Hotspur and has been the subject of what West Ham called an “anti-Palestine” message from fans. This follows on from similar chanting that occurred when the Israel international played for Leeds United on loan in the 2024-25 season.West Ham released a statement on Thursday acknowledging the chant and urging supporters not to replicate it against Charlton Athletic on Saturday.“The club is aware of an offensive and divisive chant, containing an anti-Palestine message, being sung by a section of away supporters during our opening EFL Championship match at Burnley on Sunday afternoon,” it read.“We understand that singing and chanting is a traditional and deeply-embedded part of the matchday experience. We encourage our supporters to sing loud and proud about their football club and the players wearing the claret and blue shirt — but never in a way that creates division or causes offence among fellow fans.
“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.”It continued to reiterate the club’s values of “equality, equity, diversity and inclusion”. “We expect those who represent the club — be that players, staff, officials or supporters — to share those values and ensure that, regardless of individual backgrounds or beliefs, we are as our name says: United,” it read. “Let’s make sure our support is something to be proud of, and the envy of all who face us.”Solomon, 27, was the subject of similar chants at Leeds in 2025, which the West Yorkshire club condemned. In a statement released in February of that season, they said “hate crime and discriminatory language or chanting is not acceptable at Leeds United and the club has a zero-tolerance policy towards discrimination abuse of all kinds”.Leeds additionally said any fan participating in the chant could face “action” against them “including the issuing of a club banning order”. The Athletic has asked West Ham whether their fans could face punishment for singing the chant.West Ham play their second game of the Championship season on Saturday, which will be their first at home, after being relegated from the Premier League last term. They drew their first fixture to Burnley 2-2, with Solomon scoring the second.
