You will recall Hammers United’s recent statement opposing the introduction of pay per view Premier League matches.
Football fan groups round the country are urging their members to boycott PPV matches. Pressure must be put on The Premier League to reconsider it’s position.
Hammers United encourages it’s 17000 members not to subscribe and hopes that West Ham fans across the fanbase support this stance against continued exploitation of football fans.
Large numbers of Leeds United,Newcastle United and Liverpool fans last week chose to donate £14.95 to local charities instead of paying for the match.Other Supporters Groups are following suit.
So far in excess of £300,000 has been raised which is a comprehensive rejection of the Premier League’s continued exploitation of fans.
Many of us are experiencing severe financial difficulties in the present crisis but those in a position to do so may consider donating to a charity of their choice instead of subscribing to the West Ham v Fulham match.
Three charities often supported by West ham Supporters are
Alternatively members could pay into the Hammers United go fund me page stipulating the charity of their choice and we will pass on.
Please support the campaign against PPV.£14.95 a match is simply too much.
Thank You.
Hammers United Committee.
We have sent an email to David Sullivan and Karren Brady regarding our position on PPV. It reads as follows..
To David Sullivan
c.c. Karren Brady.
We are calling on you, as custodians of West Ham United, to withdraw your support of the Premier League’s Pay Per View scheme.
We believe that charging an extortionate £14.95 to watch a game of football is immoral at a time when many people’s livelihoods are under threat, where children are going hungry and where tens of thousands of your own supporters have already been compelled to renew their season tickets despite there being no prospect of gaining entry to the London Stadium.
We would like our disappointment noted that no engagement with us as the largest independent supporters group was attempted before your support was given to the initial decision.
Football has the unique ability to provide a welcome, albeit brief, distraction from the economic and pandemic threats to our national wellbeing. Seeking to profit from this crisis represents the very worst of the commercialisation of football and is being roundly condemned by football fans, players and the national press. Even Mike Ashley has acknowledged that fans have “overwhelmingly rejected” the scheme.
Your approval of the PPV initiative is wildly at odds with this groundswell of opinion and your continued support will damage the good name of West Ham United.
At a time when great efforts are being made to improve the fractured relationship the club currently has with its fans this presents a great opportunity to do the right thing.
We at Hammers United would welcome the opportunity to work with the club to find a better way to deliver a more affordable and accessible solution at this challenging time.
We implore you to demonstrate leadership, listen to football fans and reverse your decision to support the PPV scheme with immediate effect.
We thank you in advance for considering our request and look forward to West Ham United leading the way during this difficult time.
For and On Behalf of Hammers United.
Stephen Cross(Joint Secretary).
