West Ham address controversial Manor Solomon chant as club issues fresh guidance in new statement

West Ham United have asked supporters not to sing a controversial chant about new signing Manor Solomon following their opening Championship fixture.

The club has described the chant as “offensive and divisive” ahead of Saturday's first home game of the season against Charlton Athletic.

Why West Ham have asked fans to not sing Manor Solomon chant

The chant was heard from sections of the Hammers away support during last weekend's 2-2 draw against Burnley, a match in which Solomon scored on his debut following a £5 million move from Tottenham Hotspur.

Referencing the Israel-Gaza conflict, supporters sang: “Manor Solomon’s on my mind and he hates Palestine,” while some Israel flags were also displayed in the away end.

The chant is not new, having previously been sung by some Leeds United supporters during Solomon's loan spell at Elland Road in 2024/25. The Yorkshire side condemned it at the time and later warned that supporters could face stadium bans.

West Ham have now intervened ahead of their meeting with Charlton at the London Stadium this weekend, describing the chant as containing an “anti-Palestine message” and asking supporters to avoid singing anything which could create division or cause offence.

In a statement, the Hammers stressed their commitment to ensuring supporters can attend matches without “fear, discrimination or abuse”, while acknowledging that singing and chanting remains an important part of football culture.

The Israeli Hammers supporters' group has also backed the club's stance, saying it does not encourage hatred towards Palestinians or any other group and that football should promote “peace, respect and support for West Ham”.

Solomon previously declined to comment directly on the chant when it emerged at Leeds, instead saying he was grateful for support regardless of where fans came from or what they believed.

FGG says: West Ham right to provide clarity

Given the sensitive political context surrounding the chant, West Ham's decision to provide clear guidance before their first home fixture should help supporters understand the club's position.

Football chants regularly provoke debate, but the club has made its expectations clear while encouraging fans to continue backing Solomon and the team without bringing divisive political messaging into the stands.