West Ham have had to deal with numerous troubles since moving to the London Stadium in 2016, but one significant issue, one that is fixable, that has persistently been a bother has been seeing away fans in the home end.
Particularly, last season, there were numerous occasions where away fans were sat in the home end. I cannot fathom how many people were kicked out of the Bobby Moore upper stand, half of the buggers wouldn’t have known who he was!
Perhaps Manchester United at home this season would’ve been the breaking point for the club, as it was yet another fixture that was flooded with away fans, and on that particular night, the stewards certainly had their work cut out for them.
The Hammers only have a few remaining home games this season, one of which is against Arsenal.
An Arsenal fan recently attempted to buy a home end ticket and received an email, which indicates that action has actually been taken towards making a change. The said individual was informed that, as it was their first time purchasing tickets for West Ham, they would have to be validated - otherwise, the ticket wouldn’t be able to be used.
To have the ticket validated, you would have to provide “photographic evidence that you are a West Ham United supporter which can be from a party, event or fixture wearing West Ham merchandise or West Ham releated evidence (Please note any merchandise will need to be purchased PRIOR TO January 2026”
You will also have to provide ID.
This is an intelligent move.
To add on to that, it is also mentioned that this evidence needs to be sent before Tuesday, 31st March 2026, 1:00 pm - presumably around the five-day mark from receiving the initial email. A typical true West Ham fan would easily be able to attach a photo, followed by a photo of ID, and no worry is to follow, for Away supporters… that’s a struggle.
This move should make it further difficult for away fans to enter the home end - it may cause some trouble, and undoubably their will be a few that wriggle their way through the identification system, but this certainly should stop a large bunch in theory.
Let’s wait and see how this system is when in action.
Comments
Mmmm something tells me any
Mmmm something tells me any perspective neanderthal, hell bent on causing a ruck. Would not think twice about putting on a Hammers shirt and getting a ticket. Then sharing it on social media after the event. As if to say, it was me, I was there..
But maybe that's the ex 21 year old terrace reprobate kicking in again?? Thankfully I am a born again 63 year old fossil now...PMSL
Our authorities are rubbish
Our authorities are rubbish in this area.. They could run a bath.
I think plenty of arrogant gooners will get in.
On the subject of away fans... They dont sell alcohol to the away supporters at Villa Park!!!