Full Breakdown
West Ham Calls for End to Anti-Palestine Chant Targeting New Signing Manor Solomon
8/20/2026, 11:58:13 PM
Core Event
During West Ham United’s opening EFL Championship match at Burnley’s Turf Moor, a segment of the away supporters sang a chant that referenced new Israeli winger Manor Solomon and contained an anti-Palestine message. The match ended in a 2-2 draw, with Solomon scoring the Hammers’ second goal on his debut.
Background & Context
The chant first surfaced while Solomon was on loan at Leeds United in the 2024-25 season, notably during a Boxing Day victory over Stoke City in December 2024. Leeds United issued statements condemning the chant and warning that discriminatory language could breach the law. English football authorities have previously issued guidance on political symbols: in October 2023 clubs were advised to prohibit Israel and Palestinian flags inside stadiums, and in August 2025 clubs were reminded that “politically motivated” material, including symbols of countries in conflict, should not be permitted.
Data & Statistics
- Manor Solomon, 27, transferred from Tottenham Hotspur to West Ham in August 2026 on a three-year contract with an option for a fourth year; the fee was reported at £5 million.
- Solomon has earned 49 caps for Israel, scoring eight international goals, and previously won three Ukrainian Premier League titles with Shakhtar Donetsk and helped Leeds United win the Championship in 2024-25.
- According to figures reported by The New York Times on August 19, more than 70,000 Palestinians have been killed in Gaza since the conflict began in October 2023.
Official Statements & Responses
West Ham United issued a statement on Thursday, August 20, 2026, acknowledging the chant and urging supporters not to repeat it. The club emphasized that while singing is a traditional part of the matchday experience, it must not create division or cause offence, and reiterated its commitment to equality, equity, diversity and inclusion.
The club’s Israeli supporters’ group, the Israeli Hammers, released a supporting statement rejecting hatred toward Palestinians and urging that Solomon be judged solely on his football performance.
The Football Association has been made aware of the incident but has not released a public comment as of the latest reports.
Criticism & Opposition
Danielle Bett, director of communications for the British-Jewish organization Yachad, described the chant as hateful and shallow, arguing that it unfairly characterises Israelis and normalises animosity between Israelis and Palestinians. She called for condemnation of the chant and warned against using individual players as proxies for the broader conflict.
On-the-Ground Reports
Similar chants were reported among Leeds United fans in December 2024.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
While West Ham and the Israeli Hammers have publicly condemned the chant, the Football Association’s response remains pending, leaving uncertainty about potential sanctions or investigations. No club has confirmed whether any fans will face disciplinary action for participating in the chant at Burnley.
What’s Next
West Ham’s next fixture is a home Championship match against Charlton Athletic at the London Stadium on Saturday, where the club will again remind supporters of its anti-discrimination policy and request that chants remain respectful and inclusive.
