West Ham owners David Sullivan and David Gold intend to turn up for Southampton match despite fears over abuse
Hammers fans turned on co-owners during defeat to Burnley as crowd trouble marred the game but pair believe showing support to the team in crucial relegation battle is more important than being on the end of more taunts
DAVID SULLIVAN and David Gold intend to risk the threat of more personal abuse by showing up for West Ham's crunch clash with Southampton.
The co-owners of the Hammers were the target of protests when trouble flared during the club's 3-0 defeat to Burnley last week.
Both were forced to leave their seats during the second half to diffuse the unrest in the London Stadium, with Sullivan being struck by a coin thrown from the crowd.
But SunSport understands the pair believe it is important to show their support for the side in the crunch relegation battle, so plan to attend what will be the first match since last week's sorry scenes.
There had been calls from some sections of the West Ham fans for the duo and vice-chairman Karren Brady to stay away from the game.
It was claimed if the three were in the stadium it could incite more protests from fans at a time when the players needed their full support in such a crucial game.
But the Hammers hierarchy, though now well aware of the deep feelings of frustration among the fanbase, also feel it is their duty to be at the game to be behind the team.
The defeat to Burnley left David Moyes' side down in 16th in the Premier League, just three points clear of the relegation zone.
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They can ill afford another loss next up, especially against a Southampton side battling with them to avoid relegation.
And their precarious position is not lost among the supporters, whose attitude since the turmoil of the weekend has also softened.
There is an overriding feeling among the fans that a repeat of the Burnley protests would only serve to damage the team's chances of getting a much needed victory.
So although the presence of the Hammers board in the stadium may antagonise some, the general belief is that protests should be put on hold for the good of the side.
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The club have held a series of meetings with London Stadium stakeholders and the police since Saturday, aiming to improve stewarding.
A further meeting is planned today, but it is understood plans have been put in place for increased stewarding and police to be on duty in and around the ground on March 31.
The players have been able to escape the aftermath of the weekend, with Moyes taking the squad to Miami for warm-weather training.