West Ham captain Mark Noble handles a pitch invader during the club's match against Burnley in March '18. GETTY IMAGES
Premier League side West Ham will "seek recompense from the operators of the London Stadium, LS185," after being fined £100,000 ($130,600) by the FA for the four pitch invasions that "marred last season’s Premier League home defeat by Burnley," according to Matt Hughes of the LONDON TIMES. The disturbances last March "led to the West Ham captain Mark Noble and defender James Collins wrestling with fans on the pitch." Club co-Owners David Sullivan and David Gold "also were forced to leave the directors’ box for their own safety" after Sullivan was struck in the face by a coin. Several fans were given lifetime bans. In its report, the FA’s Independent Commission was critical of LS185’s stewarding operation, which it concluded was a "key factor in the pitch invasions." However, the club is "ultimately held responsible despite having no control over security issues." As a result of these findings, West Ham will reportedly ask LS185 for a financial contribution toward the fine. It is understood the club is "pushing for a 50-50 split." West Ham has already spent more than £300,000 ($392,000) on legal fees contesting the case, despite the fact that it "had no control over the security lapses." While an agreement has yet to be reached with LS185, the club is "confident of striking a deal after constructive meetings" between Vice-Chair Karren Brady and LS185 CEO Lyn Garner (LONDON TIMES, 1/23).
