BROOKING: AGGRO FANS KEEP AWAY!

SIR TREVOR BROOKING has urged West Ham fans spoiling for a fight to stay away from tomorrow’s crucial game at home to Southampton.

The fourth-frombottom Irons take part in their first match since the shameful scenes that marred their defeat to Burnley on March 10.

Fans invaded the pitch and pelted the directors’ box with objects, forcing the club’s owners and a number of guests to flee.

The protests drew condemnation and are likely to result in an increased police presence.

Sir Trevor

(right) called on disgruntled fans to put their feelings aside to give the players a chance to perform.

The Irons legend said: “I said, the day after the Burnley game, that any supporters who don’t feel they can back the team for 90 minutes should stay away for the time being – and I stand by that.

“If you are a genuine West Ham fan, then any grievance or issue has to be put to one side while the team try to battle clear of the bottom three.

“The players have a responsibility, too. They will be aware that their performances need to improve and that does put pressure on them.

“But adding to that pressure by creating negative vibes in the stadium cannot help.

“I have heard suggestions that some supporters would welcome relegation as a chance for wholesale change. Frankly, that is nonsense.

“Relegation for a club the size of West Ham, with the seventh highest wage bill in the division, could be hugely damaging to our long-term future.”

Sir Trevor added: “A number of people asked me how I felt sitting in the directors’ box at the end of the last home game against Burnley. I would summarise my emotions in just three words: shock, sadness and frustration.

“I know that feelings had been running high for many of our fans, but it shocked me to see some resort to throwing coins and objects.

“Many of the guests – including Bobby Moore’s daughter, Roberta – were forced to head into the lounge for their own safety. It’s a sad day when the family of our greatestever player has to leave a match dedicated to his memory.

“This all took place while the game was going on and after the team had gone a goal down, with 25 minutes to play.

“It meant that the players’ focus, energy and concentration was drained, leaving them with no chance of recovering the deficit in a match in which – until the pitch invasion – we still had a chance of getting a result from.

“I find it hard to see how anyone could feel the type of violent demonstration we saw is going to help.

“Fans should be entitled to air their views – but not when it can adversely affect the performances of Mark Noble and his team.”