'Offensive and divisive' - West Ham issue warning to fans over Palestine song

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FT Desk

West Ham have released a statement asking supporters not to sing a particular song that features anti-Palestine lyrics.

The song in question was sung at the weekend for new signing Manor Solomon, who is Israeli.

As the Hammers travelled to Burnley on Sunday, they surrendered a two-goal lead and conceded two in the last 10 minutes as they drew 2-2 at Turf Moor. Solomon scored their second of the game in the 72nd minute and was serenaded with the new tune.

The lyrics aimed at Palestine could clearly be heard, and the club have now looked to intervene ahead of the first home league game of the season versus Charlton.

"As we prepare to welcome a 62,500 sell-out crowd to London Stadium for our first home fixture of the 2026/27 EFL Championship season on Saturday afternoon, West Ham United would like to remind supporters of the responsibility we all hold to represent the Club in the right way," a club statement began.

As we prepare to welcome a 62,500 sell-out crowd to London Stadium for our first home fixture of the 2026/27 EFL Championship season on Saturday afternoon, West Ham United would like to remind supporters of the responsibility we all hold to represent the Club in the right way.

— West Ham United (@WestHam) August 20, 2026

"The visit of Charlton Athletic is another opportunity to show the passion and pride that makes our fans famous around the world, and to illustrate the effect your positive backing can have on the team. Everyone at the Club recognises that each and every supporter is an ambassador for West Ham United at our fixtures.

"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 statement then specifically mentioned the chant itself and requested that it be stopped in order to avoid division in the fanbase.

"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."

Solomon began his professional career at Maccabi Petah Tikva before making a high-profile move to Shakhtar Donetsk in 2019. The winger quickly impressed in Ukraine with his pace, dribbling and ability to cut inside, while also gaining valuable Champions League experience.

Solomon joined Tottenham Hotspur in 2023 after spending the previous season on loan at Fulham, where he scored five goals in the Premier League. His time at Spurs was disrupted by injury, limiting his opportunities, and he later moved to Leeds, Villarreal and Fiorentina on loan.

Al Jazeera reports that he completed basic military training in the Israeli army before gaining "elite athlete" status which allowed him to move abroad.

Pro-Palestine supporters have been unhappy with him being at other clubs previously, as he was booed by Villarreal fans during a trip to Sevilla, while there were also protests and calls for a boycott.

"According to the Palestine Football Association, 1,007 members of Gaza’s sporting community had been killed by February, 2026, including 565 in football, while 265 facilities had been damaged," Al Jazeera writes.

Al Jazeera asked two West Ham fans for their thoughts on the matter, and the responses were drastically different.

“I prefer to separate politics and football, and like to focus on what he can bring as a player,” says Callum Gordon, 28.

Iola Wright, a 20-year-old fan, said she “inherently” disagrees with Solomon’s social media posts “in regard to what I believe is a genocide in Gaza”.

“There is no denying he is a good footballer, but team spirit and a connection between the club and fans is the most important thing this season,” she added. “This signing could have a negative impact on both of those things.”

Responding to the viral 'All Eyes on Rafah' trend, Solomon posted, “Where were your eyes on October 7?” while he has posted messages like “Israel has the right to defend itself” and “Pray for Israel” previously.

He also shared a post accusing Palestinian groups of “killing their own people and blaming Israel”.