West Ham owners forced to flee London Stadium amid furious fan protest as Mark Noble confronts pitch invader

Standard Sport11 March 2018

West Ham co-owners David Gold and David Sullivan were forced to leave the London Stadium for their own safety amidst angry protests as the Hammers crashed 3-0 to Burnley.

Captain Mark Noble clashed with a pitch-invading fan - one of a number of supporters to make their way onto the turf - as the Hammers' Premier League clash descended into chaotic scenes.

Noble confronted the pitch invader on the London Stadium pitch in the second half of the match, with Burnley taking the lead through Ashley Barnes.

The atmosphere threatened to turn toxic as at least two more fans made their way onto the pitch, and the scenes worsened as Burnley soon took a two-goal lead following the restart.

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A number of fans could be heard singing 'Sack the board', while a section of supporters turned to face co-owners David Gold and David Sullivan and demand their exit from the club.

Mr Gold and Mr Sullivan were then advised to leave the stadium for their own safety.

In Pictures | West Ham vs Burnley | 10/03/2018

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It came after groups of fans had called off a proposed protest march before the game.

Getty Images

The protest against the club’s owners had been arranged by a number of fans’ groups. But following a meeting with vice chairman Karren Brady, one of the groups, the Real West Ham Fans Action Group, pulled out and now the march has been postponed.

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