FROM MAD TO WORSE

Captain Noble warns Hammers to expect even more trouble from furious fans

MARK NOBLE has warned West Ham’s besieged board that militant fans’ anger is not over and there could be more protests to come.

The FA will today launch an inquiry into four pitch invasions, and Hammers co-chairman David Sullivan being hit by a coin, as hundreds of fans picketed the directors’ box at Saturday’s 3-0 defeat by Burnley. West Ham could be ordered to play at least one of their five remaining home games behind closed doors, and club captain Noble (tackling pitch invader, left) said: “It seems to me there is so much anger out there that it is not going to go away. I don’t think it is. “It’s well known West Ham fans aren’t happy at the minute, and haven’t

been happy for a long time. As soon as we conceded a goal, the atmosphere turned and the fans showed what they think... they’ve had enough. That’s what it looked like to us.

“No matter what happened, it seemed to me they were planning on doing something.”

Hammers co-chairman David Gold (above) issued a defiant message, which said: “I will never be driven away by the behaviour I saw. It won’t happen because of all the decent fans out there.”

Hammers legend Sir Trevor Brooking said: “Whoever is looking after the crowd against Southampton in three weeks’ time must have the experience to make sure nothing escalates like it did yesterday.

“Hopefully, you would like the game to take place in front of a crowd.”