West Ham: Graham Potter refuses to blame Jarrod Bowen or supporters as tensions boil over after latest defeat

In partnership with

Evening Standard

·26 août 2025

West Ham: Graham Potter refuses to blame Jarrod Bowen or supporters as tensions boil over after latest defeat

Hammers captain was involved in a heated exchange with a supporter following the 3-2 loss to Wolves

Graham Potter has refused to blame Jarrod Bowen or supporters after the West Ham captain had to be stopped from confronting a section of fans following their loss to Wolves.

Vidéos OneFootball

Bowen was involved in a heated exchange with West Ham's supporters at full-time as Potter's side crashed out of the Carabao Cup following a 3-2 defeat at Molineux.

Substitute Jorgen Strand Larsen scored twice in two minutes to deny West Ham their first win of the season, and tensions threatened to boil over after the game as Bowen was stopped from confronting a section of the travelling support.

At the final whistle, Bowen made his way over to clap the away fans, thanking them for their support.

Bowen appeared to hear something from one of the fans, which resulted in a few words being exchanged before he was ushered away by Tomas Soucek and Alphonse Areola.

Bowen went back after hearing something else from the travelling support before eventually walking away and taking off his captain’s armband.

On the incident, Potter said he didn't know what was said but was quick to defend both Bowen and the supporters.

"No, I don't (know what was said)," Potter said in his post-match press conference.

"I have no idea what was said. I just think our supporters have been fantastic. They are hurting, of course, because of the results we have had, and Jarrod obviously cares about the club, cares about the team.

“I thought he gave everything tonight, again, and it's just an exchange of views by people that care. So, it is what it is."

They are hurting, of course, because of the results we have had, and Jarrod obviously cares about the club, cares about the team

Graham Potter

Bowen later took to Instagram to apologise for his actions, and said he expects to set a better example.

"Apologies to the fans for tonight's reaction," he wrote on Instagram.

"I'm someone who is passionate and will fight every time I step on the pitch. But I need to set a better example, and you fans know how much I love you and this club!

"We ride through the bad times together, and I'll see you all Sunday."

West Ham's winless start to the new season continued at Molineux on Tuesday night as Potter's future was cast into further doubt.

Attentions will now turn to Sunday, as they face a trip to the City Ground to take on Nottingham Forest in desperate need of a result.