#StopExploitingLoyalty

The campaign aimed at reversing the Club’s inflation-busting increase in ticket prices and withdrawal of concessions has many strands, including:

  • The Betway Cup boycott which saw the lowest ever attendance at the pre-season showcase.

  • The regular Black Bubbles protests both home and away.

  • The StopExploitingLoyalty banners both home and away which has seen rival fans stand side by side.

  • The intervention of at least 10 local MPs who have supported the campaign.

  • Outrage among a variety of media outlets including local and national newspapers, podcasts, TV and radio.

  • Celebrity fans and players who have spoken out about the injustice.

  • An unprecedented 22,000+ signatories of the West Ham Fans’ petition.Many of course signing not just for themselves but on behalf of family members.

  • The FAB, lead by the indomitable Andy Payne, continues to consult and negotiate with the Club, and its position is strengthened by the response to its recent survey of fans’ views on all things to do with ticketing.

  • The FSA continuing its full support of our actions.

This is a campaign that has seen cooperation from a number of different West Ham supporter groups including WHUST, Hammers United, WHU Supporters Club, WHU Disabled Supporters Association, Old Skool Hammers. 

We have all stood alongside supporter groups from opposition clubs at our home and away matches since September.

Despite all of this, the Club has thus far not been moved to formally announce its decision on ticket prices and concessions going forward, however it should be noted that several matches have seen day ticket prices reduced and some concessions restored.

While this “concession” on the Club’s part is welcome (and we have no doubt this would not have happened but for the campaign), in no way does this represent an acceptable compromise by the Club. Concessions MUST be restored and ticket price rises MUST be limited to no more than the prevailing rate of inflation.

Therefore until such time as the Club sees sense, the campaign continues and nothing is off the table as far as protests are concerned – the threat to the very future of our fan base is at stake and we will not stand by as our old, young and disabled fans are targeted by these disgusting ticketing policies that have been introduced by the Club.

WHUST