Liverpool Away Fixture – Supporter Protest Materials
4th March 2026
The West Ham United Fan Advisory Board (FAB) has received formal clarification from the Club following reports from supporters at the recent away fixture against Liverpool FC at Anfield.
A significant number of West Ham supporters reported that red cards, flags, banners and items of clothing connected to peaceful protest activity were challenged or confiscated by stewards and police. This included reports of a 13-year-old supporter being asked to remove a sweatshirt.
Most concerningly, one Liverpool steward told a West Ham supporter who is a FAB member, that the intervention was taking place because “West Ham have asked us to do this because we fear that it could cause a problem between West Ham supporters.”
Given the seriousness of that statement, the FAB wrote to the Club seeking formal clarification as to whether:
West Ham United made any request, formal or informal, to Liverpool FC, Merseyside Police, or stadium safety officials regarding protest materials;
Any such request was based on concerns around supporter behaviour, internal supporter relations, or reputational considerations.
The Club has now responded and has categorically stated that no such request was made and that it has never asked, nor would ever ask, for peaceful protests to be prevented. The Club has also confirmed it is writing to Liverpool FC seeking clarification as to why their stewarding staff suggested otherwise, and that a copy of that correspondence will be shared with the FAB.
We strongly recommend that the Club makes a statement confirming all of the above. Supporters are entitled to clarity and consistency. It is important that this is formally corrected with the relevant authorities and publicly clarified so that supporters are not left under suspicion for exercising lawful and peaceful expression.
West Ham United Fan Advisory Board