Hammers Escape Euro Sanction But Still Might Miss Out!

The European football governing body UEFA have confirmed that West Ham United will escape sanction following the ugly scenes outside the Boleyn Ground ahead of the club's final ever game. The disturbances, that included visitor's Manchester United coach being pelted with bottles, were not the direct responsibility of the club according to a UEFA spokesperson. However had the disturbances occurred within the ground then a competition ban could and would have been sanctioned. There is of course the slight matter of an away fixture against Mark Hughes' Stoke City side, no shrinking violets by anyone's imagination, a win would guarantee a Europa League place, but anything else could open a can of worms, with both Liverpool and Southampton hot in pursuit. The situation with regards to Liverpool is the most daunting in that If they have to qualify for Europe through the league, there is a scenario that could have both clubs level on points, goal difference and goals scored, if that was the case a play off would be necessary, and the prospect of European Knights at the Olympic Stadium will have to be put on the back burner.
West Ham would have to lose 1-0 at Stoke City AND Liverpool beat West Brom 2-1; or the Hammers lose 2-1 while it finished 3-2 to the away side at The Hawthorns, our sponsor partners feel we are in with a good shout
VISIT THE FULL WEBSITE HERE. In addition, seventh placed Southampton would have to be denied a win against visitors Crystal Palace, those scorelines would leave West Ham and Liverpool level after 38 matches of a season lasting nine months. If they were tied, a play off would only be needed if their finishing spot is in a Europa League position, and Sevilla were to win next week's final in Basel. A Premier League spokesperson confirmed an extra game could take place, although the likelihood is small, League rules state: "If at the end of the season either the league champions or the clubs to be relegated or the question of qualification for other competitions cannot be determined because two or more clubs are equal on points, goal difference and goals scored, the clubs concerned shall play off one or more deciding league matches on neutral grounds, the format, venue and timing of which shall be determined by the board."
The situation would be farcical, but previous experiences of the FA's 'judgement' won't really fill fans with much hope, their motto seeming to be: "where there is a will, there is a way to stick our oar in". - Ed