West Ham ban half-and-half scarves for Spurs tie
LONDON, England: West Ham United has prohibited the presence of half-and-half scarves featuring both West Ham and Tottenham Hotspur insignias for their Premier League derby at the London Stadium this Saturday. The ban is part of increased security measures aimed at preventing away supporters from infiltrating home sections of the stadium in what is considered a high-risk fixture.
West Ham informed fans that scarves combining the colors and crests of both clubs, typically sold by unofficial vendors outside stadiums, will not be allowed inside and must be handed over to security checks upon entry—these items will not be returned. Supporters are encouraged to purchase official West Ham scarves exclusively from the club’s stadium store. The club’s decision is driven by concerns that the half-and-half scarves could cause confusion in identifying supporters and potentially facilitate away fans gaining access to home areas, which might escalate tensions in the fiercely contested London derby.
The move coincides with an already tense atmosphere surrounding the fixture, notably due to Mohammed Kudus’ recent £55 million transfer from West Ham to Tottenham—the first transfer between the clubs since 2011—further fueling rivalry and fan protests against West Ham’s ownership. Security measures also include enhanced entry checks and a ban on bottles within the stadium. The derby’s volatility has prompted West Ham to implement these preventative protocols aimed at safeguarding supporter safety and maintaining order.
By enforcing this ban, West Ham underscores its strategy to protect home support integrity and minimize risks associated with this high-profile derby. The measure reflects growing concerns about fan safety in football matches with intense rivalries and signals the club’s commitment to stringent security practices amid a politically charged environment for the team and its supporters.