WHUST is against any football match being played on Christmas Eve. Apart from the potentially significant difficulties with travel, it's a time for families to be together. Additionally all the arrangements that are part of a football match will lead to staff that will be needed missing time with their families.
It is disappointing that the decision to hold a match on Christmas Eve has been made and fully support the FSA in their response to this.
WHUST had an online conference call with representatives from Football Supporters Europe (FSE) to discuss arrangements for our Europa League match at Olympiakos next week.
The main concern raised by supporters is the mandatory coach travel to and from the stadium and the cost of this travel that was only announced when the tickets actually went on sale.
Sunday 8th October was not only our game against Newcastle United, but one of the matches designated for saying “No Room for Racism”.
WHUST was invited to speak on the pitch in the buildup to the match about this important issue alongside Sanil from Inclusive Irons and Jo from Pride of Irons.
WHUST has now seen the decisions of UEFAs Control, Ethics and Disciplinary Body regarding what happened during and particularly after the final whistle at our match against AZ Alkmaar on 18th May 2023.
Key points include the UEFA Match Delegate’s report: “despite a good sense of cooperation leading to the match, the way a major issue at the end of the match has handled was inadequate”
Despite AZ Alkmaar requesting police support, there was a delay in response by the police due to police deployment and knowledge of the ground.
West Ham will be playing away to Lincoln City in the 3rd round of the Carabao Cup on Wednesday 27th October.
Here’s what you need to know about getting there and the facilities available.
WHUST notes the Governments response to consultation on the Football Governance White Paper. The response reflects contributions made by WHUST.
The Governments recommitment to an independent Statutory regulator is welcome. WHUST also welcomes the Governments intent to make Fan Engagement a legally based requirement, assessed by the independent regulator as a condition of West Ham being granted a licence to operate.
WHUST will continue to work with FSA and Government colleagues to further clarify detailed arrangements. WHUST will press for the Parliamentary introduction of the Bill to enact the regulator as soon as possible in the new Parliamentary Session.
Independent Advisory Groups (IAGS) are set up to allow groups of people to act as that “critical friend” to the Police, in our case the Metropolitan Police. At IAG meetings questions are asked, police actions and initiatives explained/questioned and information shared.
The minutes of the last meeting held on 26th July 2023 are here:
Hammers fans please share this list of commemorative bricks saved from the demolition of Upton Park. The owners probably don’t even know these precious keepsakes were saved.
Read MoreWe’re away at Brighton on 26th August and here’s all you need to know about getting there and the facilities available.
There is a nationwide strike by the RMT union affecting train services on Saturday 26 August. Southern Railway which serves Brighton and Falmer will be operating a limited service across its network, with a later start up and earlier finish and some routes not served at all.
WHUST has been asked to pass on this invitation from a student documentary maker who wishes to speak to West Ham fans. If you are keen to be involved, please get in touch direct with the student.
Read MoreWHUST board member Rachel caught up with Designated Football Officer PC Andy Sheldon recently to find out more including what the role involves, what happens prior to and after games, the amount of preparation work and meetings that take place before each game.
Read MoreThe European Football Fans Congress 2023 was held over the past few days and WHUST were involved in submitting a motion proposing the arrangements for fans at UEFA European Finals, which was adopted at the Annual General Meeting
Read MoreIt’s Official! West Ham United is still a Top 8 Club. We joined the ranks of the Premier League Top 8 last season and have maintained that status.
Whilst Sky may harp on about The Big 6, the Premier League actually has an official definition of The Top 6 and also The Top 8.
Football fans often face multiple challenges when travelling to watch their team play in European competitions, from late fixtures and visa requirements to high ticket prices and aggressive policing. In order to improve this situation, Football Supporters Europe (FSE) monitors conditions in UEFA Club Competitions.
Supporters who attended the UEFA Europa Conference League Final 2023 in Prague are invited to complete the following survey to provide information on relevant topics, including travel arrangements, ticket prices, allocation, policing/stewarding, catering, etc.
WHUST welcomes the news that the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has announced new advertising rules regarding the marketing of cryptoassets to UK consumers.
WHUST, alongside other West Ham fan groups and the Football Supporters Association, has been concerned about the emergence of cryptocurrencies being targeted at supporters, often as part of a process for fan engagement on opinion polls, or to buy memorabilia.
The next Intrepid Irons (women’s supporters group) meeting will be held on Zoom on Tuesday 30th May at 6:30pm.
At the meeting we will have a presentation from West Ham’s designated football officer - PC Andy Sheldon. He will be talking to us about the Violence Against Women and Girls initiative.
Members of the WHUST board today had an online session with Football Supporters Europe and supporter reps from AZ Alkmaar. We exchanged information concerning supporters for the home and away legs of our Europa Conference semi-final legs.
Details about away areas for supporters in Alkmaar and travel from Amsterdam and from Alkmaar to and from the stadium are detailed here.
The WHUST board is delighted to invite you to our first ordinary general meeting. The event will be held via Zoom on Monday 15 May at 6.30 and will last one hour.
No motions have been proposed by the board or members so this meeting is open to supporters and potential members. Please pass on this invitation to as many of your fellow Hammers fans as you can.
Read more for full details..
