“Tear it down” | Club issued letter over London Stadium wall | OneFootball

West Ham have been issued a letter in regards to a campaign to have the wall in the West Stand of the London Stadium removed due to it’s negative impact since it’s install in 2022.

Mark Carlaw of The West Ham Way has lead this campaign, with the support of our very own Gonzo and Geo, which has also been supported by Tony Cottee, ExWHUEmployee, Dave Walker, Dan Lawless and many others.

There is a growing push now on the club to deal with this situation, as many feel the wall has seriously dampened the atmosphere at the Stadium, which the club are striving to improve.

The letter below has been sent to Karren Brady, with Carlaw advising that he will keep fans up to date on the clubs response, with the hope being the wall can be taken down ahead of the 2025/26 season.

Dear Baroness Brady,

My name is Mark Carlaw and I work as a host and editor for The West Ham Way. I write to you and the club regarding the wall which is situated between the lower tier away fans and West Stand home supporters, situated alongside block 112 at the London Stadium.

It’s my understanding that this structure was introduced in 2022 following events at our Europa League fixture against Rapid Vienna on 30th September 2021, which unfortunately saw hostile behaviour from the travelling away supporters, who threw missiles throughout the match which led to regrettable scenes.

Whilst I and other fellow supporters understand the club and Stadium operators take the safety of those attending matches as a top priority, despite its intention – it has become clear this wall is having a terribly negative impact on the experience of attending matches at the London Stadium, whilst hampering the atmosphere and in-turn, having a negative impact of the team on the pitch.

Having been a season ticket holder in block 113 at the Stadium since the move from the Boleyn Ground in 2016, I and many others found the experience of supporting our fantastic club there to be a joy, with the banter between fans generating an atmosphere which resonated with other areas in the Stadium.

In fact, I have many fellow fans in other areas of the ground who would regularly comment on the noise generated within that corner, which would then enable other sections to join in with the singing and enjoyment of supporting our club, whilst making the Stadium intimidating for the opposing team and supporters.

Leaving our home for pastures new almost 9 years ago now was always going to be a challenge for many to accept. As you have said yourself, nobody likes change. However, that corner where I have been situated became a key part in the adapting process for many, creating that atmosphere that all connected with West Ham can be proud of.

Following the introduction of ‘the wall’, I and many others were deeply concerned of its impact on our home and in particular the atmosphere and experience of attending matches – and sadly those fears have been realised.

That area of the Stadium which was once so enjoyable and exciting to attend, has now been nullified due to this structure, which I don’t believe serves any purpose.

Firstly, missile throwing between rival fans is not something I or many other fans feel is an issue, especially in English football. I have attended matches regularly now for 33 years – and in that time I have not been or witnessed anyone struck by an object thrown. Aside of course, from that one night in the Europa League against Rapid Vienna.

Secondly, I have to question what the wall really does to deter any missile throwing – as fans could just throw objects over it. It could actually be argued that it has created further danger, as fans would not see objects being thrown that they could protect themselves from.

As stated above though, this is not something I consider an issue in English football. This is demonstrated by the fact no other Premier League clubs have these ‘wall-type’ structures in place, including ourselves on the other side of the away fans in the Sir Trevor Brooking Stand.

It is clear that yourself, and the club have been working hard to try and improve the experience for fans at the London Stadium, with meetings being held with fan groups to explore ideas in making our home better for our loyal supporters.

The recent decision to retain concession rates for tickets plus freezing ticket prices for 2025/26 showcases this, and a recent article on the official West Ham website stated the following:

‘The club’s dedication to putting supporters at the heart of decision-making’ I have spoken to many fellow supporters, including former player and club legend Tony Cottee, who have all shared their support and views on this matter (their quotes follow this letter below).

We also carried out a Poll on the matter on social media platform X (formally Twitter), with 1,750 fans voting, with the results as follows:

Keep it: 4%

Not sure: 5%

Take it down: 91%

It’s fully appreciated that this decision does not lie solely with West Ham United, as being tenants at the Stadium, a decision on this will no doubt sit with the Stadium owners / operators and quite possibly Newham Council.

With this is mind, we would like to offer our full support to you and the club in any way possible to help this issue be resolved, and that is by having this damaging structure removed and that part of the Stadium restored as to how it was prior to the wall being erected in 2022.

Let us build on the recent momentum made by the price freezes, concessions and meetings with fan groups, to further show that the ownership truly are on the side of the loyal supporters of our beloved football club.

I can assure you, that by bringing this structure down, it would be a huge step in making the London Stadium not only a far better experience for all that attends matches, but will also undoubtedly impact the team on the pitch as we make our home the fortress that it should be and was previously, prior to this wall being installed.

I appreciate the time you’ve given to read this letter and now turn your attention to the quotes provided by others below, who share additional views on the matter.

I look forward to hearing from you in due course and hope we can work together to make this change that would undoubtedly be a huge step forward in making our home a better place for all connected with our wonderful club.

Yours sincerely

Mark Carlaw The West Ham Way

“I think the wall is a joke and an insult to us Hammers fans. Banter/singing songs with the away fans has always been a big part of football and should never be deterred. To be fair to the Club, it wasn’t them who put the wall up, it was the Stadium owners but not enough has been done to have it taken down ….

“Also, there is no wall behind the goal separating the 2 sets of fans, so why is there one at the corner flag, especially as there is already a big access gap between the fans.

“I fully support the wall being taken down.” – Tony Cottee – former West Ham player

“The banter that relates to the tribalistic nature of football is such an important part of the match day experience and that is being taken away from the fans because of that wall. It has to come down.” – Dave Walker – The West Ham Way

“The wall being erected and positioned where it is has seriously affected the atmosphere in the ground as banter between sets of fans is part and parcel of football. I appreciate this decision may not have necessarily been the clubs but the club should lobby for it to be taken down. I am not aware of any other football clubs having a similar structure so why is it that once again West Ham fans have our match day experienced reduced when others don’t.” – ExWHUEmployee – The West Ham Way

“The wall erected with London tax payers money by London Stadium owners was an over reaction to an incident at a specific European game where the away fans were at fault, it should now be removed and reinstated as it was before.” – Sean Whetstone – Claret & Hugh

“Standing next to the away Fans at Upton Park and now at the London Stadium before the wall, was built was a fantastic experience and an electric atmosphere.

“The banter and songs that were generated between Home and Away fans was priceless and the reason we chose the seats when we moved from Upton Park.

“This was totally removed when the wall was built having travelled to Europe for every game they have netting or prospect glass between the home and away fans the netting being the best choice.

“This promotes health and safety and keeps the phenomenal atmosphere we have had the pleasure to witness during the European tour.

“It’s as if the club does not want an atmosphere, Something West Ham fans are famous for.

“Just look at the 3000+ that travel away the atmosphere that is generated away is what used to be in block 114/113 but not anymore.” – Richard Dodds

‘Nothing symbolises the disconnect between the club and Stadium owners like a wall being erected to kill the atmosphere. This needs to be addressed and get that key area of the Stadium generating the noise it once was.’ – Gonzo – Hammers Chat

“The wall perhaps sums up the relationship between West Ham United, the London stadium and the fan base. The club have little control over it as we rent the place but they’ll also be confused as to why fans dislike it, ‘why would you want to see the away fans and sing songs at them?’

“Is probably a question that’s been asked within the club with nobody unable to give an answer as they’re perhaps not traditional match going fans.” – Geo – Hammers Chat

“There’s many factors contributing to the awful atmosphere at the London stadium and the wall is one of the main offenders.

“For years I stood in the Trevor brooking stand at Upton Park and the majority of the noise started from going from the Trevor Brooking lower & the chicken run going back and forth with the away fans. Thanks to the wall to the left of the away fans & family section to the right, that back & forth is non existent & the LS.

“If someone takes things too far by throwing things, then ban & prosecute them, don’t ruin things for the majority of sensible fans because you can’t be bothered to police a minority of idiots.” – Dan Lawless – WHFTV

“It brings nothing to the stadium except dampen the atmosphere in the stadium, something that needs improving.

“The ‘banter’ between opposing fans has been part of the game for over 100 years.

“It’s worth noting that there isn’t a wall on the other side of the away fan section which is much closer to both sets of fans.

“It’s very poorly thought-out and I could see only a positive if it’s removed asap.” – Chris Carlaw

“Block 113 STH here. Totally killed the atmosphere from day one!!

“There’s a 10ft access road to get from 113 to the away fans section. The wall is overkill.

“A bit extreme after 1 incident in one of the Euro games. Put the away fans high up in a corner like other teams do.” – James O’Connor

“Had a season ticket from Upton Park going into the LS, was there for the Chelsea game that caused for this wall to be put in, can honestly say the minute it went up the atmosphere in that stadium completely died.” – Ryan (@Ryy92)

“I’m in the Billy Bonds Stand, so never seen it up close. But from all the photos and videos and comments it appears to be the most ridiculous thing to do. 100% it was not put in with any thoughts about the football atmosphere. It’s some H&S plonker who probably came up with it.” – Paul (@IronsFC1985)

“Definitely impacts the atmosphere.

“The banter between fans is what creates an atmosphere as well as the actual football on the pitch.” – Kevin (@Kevinvince63)

“100% it has affected the atmosphere. Bit of banter and back and fourth between home and away fans is what helps create an atmosphere. Completely dead over there now.” – Charlie Fry

“Absolutely no doubt it’s had an effect on the overall atmosphere & therefore experience / results.