Nuno Espirito Santo responds to ‘amazing’ West Ham fans after post-game London Stadium protest

There has not been much for West Ham fans to shout about this season, but they finally secured their first points of the campaign last weekend. 

New manager Nuno Espirito Santo praised the home fans for the atmosphere they created against Newcastle, helping the team to a 3-1 victory after going down to an early goal. 

Despite the result, West Ham fans gathered in five sections of the London Stadium after the game to stage a sit-in protest against the board.

This act of frustration lasted 40 minutes after the final whistle, directed primarily at vice-chair Karren Brady and chairman David Sullivan.

It was not a standalone protest, as there have been demonstrations of opposition to the board with more regularity with each disappointing result. 

The manager’s first game in charge against Brentford was in front of several empty seats because of a boycott from the home fans. 

However, the tide could be turning, and perhaps the Portuguese’s relationship with the Hammers’ faithful may grow into a mutually appreciative one. 

Nuno acknowledged the role the fans played during the game, saying to the media, “Our idea is to try and give something to our fans. And today we did give them a small thing, and the way they give us back was huge, and in the end, the noise in the London Stadium was amazing.” 

The manager, though, encouraged the Hammers’ supporters to transform the London Stadium into a difficult place for opponents to visit. 

When asked about the fans’ protest, Nuno was eager to focus on the team’s performance, saying, “I think the fans saw something in the team today, and this is what we want, this is how we should look at the situation.” 

West Ham host Burnley at the London Stadium next in the Premier League before taking a trip to Bournemouth after the November international break. 

It provides the home fans with another chance to create a raucous atmosphere, similar to what the Bolyn Ground offered before, to motivate their team to follow up their first home win with another.

FGG says

West Ham fans have every right to voice their opinions, whether that is in the form of a sit-in protest. 

However, the Hammers need them now more than ever, especially with a new manager in the hot seat. 

It seems that Nuno has got his band ready, but now it is about getting them all to play the same tune.