West Ham forced to limit London Stadium capacity to 57,000 for Bournemouth game over standing fears

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James Benge17 August 2016

West Ham have been unable to extend the capacity of the London Stadium to its full 60,000 in time for their opening Premier League game of the season.

Sunday’s match against Bournemouth will now take place in front of 57,000 fans after talks between the London Stadium Safety Advisory Group (LSSAG), Newham Council in which it was concluded that too many home fans had been standing during matches.

Slaven Bilic’s side have already played two matches at their new ground. Both their Europa League tie against NK Domzale and a friendly match with Juventus were played in front of 54,000 but the LSSAG deemed supporters standing to be “dangerous and contrary to ground regulations”.

The club were unable to offer a confirmed fixture at which the ground would be at its 60,000 capacity but added that the Europa League tie with Astra Giurgiu on August 25 would also be played with a reduced capacity.

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However they have insisted that no season ticket holder will lose their seat because of LSSAG and Newham Council’s decision.

Vice-chairman Karren Brady wrote to season ticket holders, urging them to follow the messages they issue during the game in which they have been instructed to remain seated.

“While an increased capacity of 57,000 is naturally a significant step forward for all concerned, we absolutely aim to operate at the full 60,000 capacity in the very near future.

“We respect the decision of LSSAG and Newham Council and will work closely with them, and with our supporters, so that we are able to reach a 60,000 capacity in the coming weeks.

“The LSSAG have identified that standing in an all-seater stadium is dangerous and that we must continue to communicate this to our supporters.”

Joint-Chairmen David Sullivan and David Gold added: “We understand the traditions of football and that many supporters like to stand, but the reality is that the license is for all-seating. Therefore, we urge our supporters to watch the game from their seats.”

After the games against Bournemouth and Astra Giurgiu West Ham’s next home game is on September 10 against Watford.

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