HAMMERS URGED TO AVOID BEING FALL GUYS
WEST HAM’S players are set to avoid walking on the London Stadium’s green carpet during their post-match lap of appreciation tomorrow amid concerns it could cause injury. The club’s owners are worried about the cover on the running track and vice-chairman Karren Brady has already told stadium stakeholders it could be considered unsafe. At least one player was seen to slip on the carpet during West Ham’s 0-0 draw with Manchester United on Thursday night, as it is seemingly unsuitable for studs. Now, the Hammers squad face being told to stick to the edges of the pitch when they thank fans at full time of their seasonending game against Everton. In a letter sent to London Stadium stakeholders in July 2017, Brady wrote: ‘The green track cover last season was far from perfect and one of our players, (Cheikhou) Kouyate, was lucky to have avoided serious injury when he slipped.’ There are concerns West Ham could face insurance claims from injured visiting players. A spokesperson for the London Legacy Development Corporation (LLDC) said they believe the cover is ‘perfectly safe’ and there is no issue with it.