We’ll ban Mo abuser
WEST HAM have pledged to ban for life anyone found guilty of racially abusing Liverpool star Mohamed Salah.
Shocking footage emerged yesterday of a supporter swearing at the Egypt international during Monday’s 1-1 draw at London Stadium.
The Hammers and the Metropolitan Police have launched investigations into the shameful scenes.
Salah, right, was filmed by a supporter in the home end as he was taking a corner and the abuse is clearly audible.
A club spokesperson said:
“At West Ham, we have a zero tolerance policy to any form of violent or abusive behaviour.
“We are an inclusive football club. Regardless of age, race, religion or belief, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity, sex, sexual orientation, gender reassignment or disability,
everyone is warmly welcomed at London Stadium.
“Anyone identified committing an offence will have their details passed to the police and will face a lifetime ban from London Stadium.”
Salah did not report the incident and it appears he was unaware of it, with Liverpool informed only yesterday.
West Ham have vowed to identify any individuals involved in the abuse and to pass on their details to police.
The user who posted the video on Twitter said: “I was disgusted by what I was hearing. People like this deserve no place in our society let alone football matches.”
A Metropolitan Police statement said: “Officers are in the process of reviewing the footage. No arrests have been made and enquiries continue.
“Anyone who witnesses inappropriate behaviour during a match is urged to bring it to the attention of a steward or police officer.”
Liverpool made contact with West Ham when they became aware of the incident and will be keeping in touch with the club.
❑ WEST HAM have announced that one of the London Stadium stands will be named after club legend Billy Bonds.
Bonds, now 72, made a record 799 appearances for the Hammers and lifted the FA Cup twice as captain in 1975 and 1980. The east stand will be officially unveiled as the Billy Bonds Stand before the home game against Newcastle on March 2.
‘Bonzo’ becomes only the third player, after Sir Trevor Brooking and Bobby Moore, to be recognised by the club in this way.
He said: “It’s a great honour and means so much to me and my family.”