Daily WHUFC News - 25th March 2018

West Ham United respond to Mayor's comments
WHUFC.com

West Ham United welcome the Mayor of London's support for our condemnation
of the violent episodes at our game against Burnley. So far the Club has
banned 20 spectators at that game for life and the individuals have been
reported to police. The West Ham stewards the mayor referred to are employed
by our landlords E20 and not by us.

A full independent investigation has been launched which will reveal the
truth about what happened on that day. We do not feel it helpful to
speculate without all the facts. The Safety Advisory Group has reported a
reduction in the number of stewards - in particular those responsible for
reacting to pitch incursions - for that game and we need to urgently
understand why that occurred.

We would like to emphasise the majority of our supporters are peace loving
and behave impeccably.

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International round-up: Academy goalkeeper Matrevics plays vs England U19s
WHUFC.com

Goalkeeper Rihards Matrevics started for Latvia U19 in their UEFA U19 Elite
Round Qualification match with England U19 on Saturday, with the
shot-stopper and his teammates falling to a 3-0 defeat. The 19-year-old,
earning his 18th international appearance at this level, saw his side in at
half-time a goal behind, thanks to a Mason Mount finish, Mount would double
his personal tally, while Eddie Nketiah also got on the scoresheet, to hand
Latvia the loss. Matrevics was one of four West Ham United Academy players
who could have potentially played in Saturday's internationals.
Midfielder Domingos Quina was a late substitute for the Portugal U19s as
they claimed a 1-0 victory against Slovakia U19s. The 18-year-old, who has
played ten times in Premier League 2 this campaign and also featured for the
senior side in FA Cup contest with Wigan Athletic, was brought on with just
under ten minutes remaining to earn his 13th cap at U19s level for Portugal.
Elsewhere, Conor Coventry was also an unused substitute for the Republic of
Ireland U19 in their Qualification match with Kosovo. The midfielder was on
the bench as his teammates claimed a 3-0 victory, with Michael Obafemi and
Lee O'Connor putting the home side two goals up in the first half. Rowan
Roache secured the win in the second period.
At U17s' level, Kristijan Belic's Serbia side were bested 2-1 at home to
Ukraine in a UEFA Elite Round Qualifier. The Serbs had taken the lead thanks
to a goal from Bogdan Jocic but Danylo Sikan and Mykhailo Mudryk secured the
result for Ukraine.

The 16-year-old, who played the full 90 minutes for his side in Saturday's
match, has played six times for West Ham's U18s this season, and also came
off the bench in an U23s fixture against Swansea City in January.

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International round-up: Lanzini & Arnautovic net while Rice named Man of the
Match
WHUFC.com

West Ham United's Manuel Lanzini and Marko Arnautovic scored for Argentina
and Austria respectively while Declan Rice was named Republic of Ireland's
Man of the Match on his debut in Friday's internationals. Lanzini was
included in Argentina's starting XI for the contest with Italy, marking his
second start for the nation while also earning the playmaker his third cap.
The 25-year-old, who played the full 90 minutes of the match, secured the
win for his side on 85 minutes with his first international goal, striking
home a powerful effort from the edge of the penalty area.

Elsewhere, Arnautovic continued his fine goalscoring form with two goals for
Austria in their 3-0 victory against Slovenia. The forward, who has scored
seven goals for the Irons this campaign, got off the mark on 36 minutes
after David Alaba had opened the scoring twenty minutes earlier. Arnautovic
then got his second just six minutes into the second period with a looping
header, taking the 28-year-old onto 18 international goals for his nation.
The Hammers No7 was substituted with four minutes remaining of the contest.

Rice was named in the Republic of Ireland's starting XI for the first time
on Friday for the friendly with Turkey, marking his first appearance for the
senior side.
The 19-year-old played the full 90 minutes of the contest, which Rice and
his teammates lost due to a Mehmet Topal goal on 52 minutes, and was
rewarded for his excellent efforts with the Republic of Ireland Man of the
Match award. Winning a full senior cap and the individual acknowledgement
marks the end to a fantastic week at international level for Rice, who was
also named the Republic of Ireland's U19 International Player of the Year on
Sunday.

Loanee Joao Mario was included in Portugal's starting XI for the friendly
fixture with Egypt. The midfielder was substituted just after an hour, being
replaced by Ricardo Quaresma, after Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah scored
the opening goal of the contest for the away side. However two late goals
netted by Cristiano Ronaldo, coming in the 90+3 and 90+6 minutes, earned
Mario's Portugal a comeback 2-1 win at Letzigrund in Zürich, Switzerland.

Youngster Sead Haksabanovic was a 65th minute substitute for Montenegro in
their 0-0 draw away to Cyprus. The 18-year-old, earning his third cap for
the Montenegro national team, came on for Damir Kojasevic in the draw as one
of six players to be substituted on for the away side.

Goalkeeper Joe Hart was an unused substitute for England in the 1-0 away
victory against Holland. The experienced shot-stopper watched from the bench
as the Three Lions claimed the win, thanks to a Jesse Lingard strike, while
Everton's Joe Pickford played between the sticks for Gareth Southgate's
team. Hart is one of four goalkeepers named in the England squad for this
week's friendlies and will be hoping to get a showing in Tuesday's friendly
with Italy.

Coincidentally, Hammers defender Angelo Ogbonna was on the bench for Italy
on Friday as they fell to Lanzini's Argentina, but didn't make It onto the
pitch and will be looking to play Hart's England in the same game next week.

Elsewhere, Chicharito was also an unused substitute for Mexico in their 3-0
win over Iceland. The striker is just one appearance away from reaching 100
caps for his national side, but watched from the sidelines as goals from
Marco Fabian and Miguel Layun earned the win for El Tri.

Meanwhile, Cheikhou Kouyate was not a named player for Senegal in their 1-1
draw with Uzbekistan. The midfielder, who is the current Senegalese captain,
watched from the stands as his side came from a goal behind to draw in
Friday's contest.

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Masuaku determined to make up for lost time
WHUFC.com

Arthur Masuaku is determined to put a 'difficult time' behind him and help
inspire West Ham United to Premier League safety. The winger returned from
the six-match suspension he received for spitting in an Emirates FA Cup
fourth-round tie at Wigan Athletic on Wednesday evening, when he completed
the full 90 minutes in a 3-1 friendly win at Dagenham & Redbridge. While he
admits he will need game-time to return to full match-fitness, the exciting
left-sided player is eager to make up for lost time and repay his teammates,
staff and supporters for the half-dozen matches he missed. "I'm very pleased
to come back," he confirmed. "I'm happy I had some minutes against, I would
say, a tough team. It was not easy, also with the pitch, but it was good for
the confidence, it's a good win and now I'm off to the national team. "It
was good intensity and it was good for me especially as I was out for two
months, so it's always good when you have some minutes.
"I used this game as a training for me to be fit as soon as possible. I need
games to be at 100 per cent, and I'm not fit yet, so I used this game to
help me get as fit as I can."

Reflecting on his enforced time on the side-lines, Masuaku admitted to
feeling frustration as West Ham lost four of the six Premier League matches
they played during his suspension. "It was a difficult time, of course,
because I couldn't help the team and with the results they we had, it was
tough, but now I'm back and I hope I will help the team as much as I can.
"In the beginning, in the first week, I was very disappointed for myself,
for the team and the staff and for the fans, then after that you have to
move forward because it is life and everyone makes mistakes. I had my family
behind me and nothing has changed. I am feeling positive." "I can play a
great part for the team now. That is what I am thinking. I just hope I can
help the team and hopefully we can get the three points, because that would
be massive for us."

Before taking on Southampton in the Premier League next weekend, Masuaku
will have a chance to further to improve his sharpness when he makes his DR
Congo debut on Tuesday. The 24-year-old has been called-up by the country of
his parents' birth for the first time and is relishing the opportunity to
represent the Leopards for the first time when they take on Tanzania. "It's
a big honour. Most of my family are there, so I will have the opportunity to
see them and it's always great to represent my country. My grandparents,
aunties, uncles and cousins will all be there. "It's a friendly game against
Tanzania and after that we have another friendly with Nigeria in May and
some Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers starting in September."

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Manager Moyes welcomes return of Hammers pair for Southampton match
WHUFC.com

David Moyes is looking forward to welcoming Arthur Masuaku and Edimilson
Fernandes back into his West Ham United squad for the Premier League run-in.
Masuaku returned to action after a six-match suspension in Wednesday's 3-1
friendly victory at Dagenham & Redbridge, while Fernandes is fit again after
recovering from three-and-a-half months out with an ankle injury. Both
players have now gone off on international duty – Masuaku with DR Congo for
a friendly in Tanzania and Fernandes with Switzerland U21s, who face a vital
UEFA European Championship qualifier against Portugal in Neuchatel – and
Moyes hopes both will return unscathed and be available for selection
against Southampton on 31 March. "We hope [to have a stronger squad for the
Southampton game]," said the manager. "We've not necessarily got loads of
players back, but we've got Arthur back from a long suspension and Edi
Fernandes has been taken away by Switzerland to play, I hope, because he
would have got a bit of time against Dagenham, but we're not getting a
chance to see him [in person]. "Hopefully those two will add to the squad in
the coming weeks but, other than that, I think most people are aware that
we've got some quite long-term injuries."

Masuaku, who will make his DR Congo debut in Dar es Salaam, and Fernandes
are just two of more than 20 West Ham players who have been called-up by
their countries at both senior and age-group level. Manuel Lanzini
(Argentina), Marko Arnautovic (Austria), Joe Hart (England), Angelo Ogbonna
(Italy), Chicharito (Mexico), Sead Haksabanovic (Montenegro), Joao Mario
(Portugal), Declan Rice (Republic of Ireland) and Cheikhou Kouyate (Senegal)
have also jetted off for a selection of friendly matches across the globe.
And manager Moyes believes endorsement at international level can only boost
the confidence of his players ahead of the Premier League run-in. "I think
it's good [they've been called-up]. I think the more international players
you've got at your club, it says a lot about your club, even though it gives
you a smaller training group. "We've got players away and we're roughly
training with eight or nine now, so we don't carry a massive squad and
having those players taken away from us now leaves us quite light. "But the
more international players you've got, the better, and that's the way I look
at it."

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West Ham: Further details of initial investigation into fan trouble are
revealed
By Simon Stone
BBC Sport

Initial investigations show trouble at West Ham's game against Burnley was
"apparently planned and co-ordinated", says Sadiq Khan, the Mayor of London.
Five fans were banned for life by the club for running on to the pitch
during the game at London Stadium on 10 March. Other fans have been banned
for life for throwing coins or objects "with intent to injure or harm".
Giving an update on the situation at Mayor's Question Time, Khan said the
scenes were "a disgrace". He added: "I condemn the mindless hooliganism of a
small number of people who were intent on disrupting the game. "Initial
investigations show an apparently planned and co-ordinated campaign of
disruption."

Khan gave information that had come out of last Thursday's meeting of the
Safety Advisory Group.

He said that:

More than a dozen fights had broken out in different parts of the ground
between West Ham supporters at the same time
Twenty-six people tried to get on to the pitch. Twenty-two were stopped by
stewards and four were successful
There were 150 separate incidents, including 50 public order offences and 40
assaults
CCTV footage shows a co-ordinated move by a known group of individuals to
the directors' box
Six of the 56 'persons of interest' have previously served banning orders at
the London Stadium or Upton Park
Many West Ham fans have rejected claims the trouble was co-ordinated.

Khan dismissed a claim, which he said had been made in a letter to him from
West Ham vice-chairman Karren Brady, that there had been 15% cut in safety
and security expenditure. He also confirmed the bill for additional
stewarding and policing, which will be in place at West Ham's remaining home
games this season, will be picked up by the taxpayer, not the club. This
arrangement is part of the agreement for the Hammers to use the stadium.

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West Ham star Manuel Lanzini expresses his joy after goalscoring debut for
Argentina
The Hammers attacking midfielder was understandably delighted after the
match on Friday
Football London
BySam Inkersole
West Ham Correspondent
22:30, 24 MAR 2018

Manuel Lanzini is very active on Instagram and he took to the social media
platform on Saturday morning after a memorable night before for the West Ham
midfielder. Lanzini made his senior Argentina debut in their 2-0 win over
Italy at the Etihad Stadium on Friday night and Lanzini shone, scoring the
second goal with five minutes of the match remaining to seal the victory.
The Hammers star has played three Hammers games since his return from a
hamstring injury and it saw him earn a call-up to the senior squad for the
friendly, having missed out on the Rio Olympics in 2014 through injury after
being named in the squad. He made the most of it this time around though,
finishing off a flowing move in fine style with a top corner strike to seal
the friendly victory. Writing on Instagram, Lanzini said: "Great game today
and happy for my first goal with the most beautiful shirt."
Argentina face Spain on Tuesday evening and Lanzini will be hoping to make
his second appearance in the space of a few days for his country before
returning to Rush Green to prepare for Saturday's Premier League six-pointer
against Southampton at the London Stadium.

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West Ham EXCLUSIVE: David Gold set to fight stadium ban after crowd trouble
WEST HAM United are bracing themselves for a battle to stop being forced to
play in 'secret' - led by 81-year-old David Gold.
By COLIN MAFHAM
PUBLISHED: 22:30, Sat, Mar 24, 2018
Daily Express

The threat of having to play at least one game behind closed doors has
increased following crowd violence which marred their last home match
against Burnley, and co-owner Gold has delivered a message that his club
will not be beaten by troublemakers. It comes following damning criticism by
the Mayor of London, plus a warning that the Hammers face an unprecedented
penalty if there is a repeat of the ugly disturbances which saw the club ban
five fans for life last week. And Gold and co are expected to step up the
fightback this week with further life bans - home and away - on supporters
identified as being 'illegally' involved in the Burnley protests. Defiant
Gold led the boardroom comeback when he turned out unbowed at a friendly
fundraising match last week to help cash strapped non-league neighbours
Dagenham & Redbridge. West Ham won that 3-1. But it was their veteran owner
who won hearts and minds by turning up despite the threat of another hate
campaign by fans who hurled abuse and coins at him during that game against
Burnley.
He is also expected to be alongside Baroness Karren Brady on Monday when
they will spell out a tough zero tolerance policy to the Supporters Advisory
Group, who have also had crisis talks with Mayor Sadiq Khan. They will also
meet the Mayor this week to discuss security at the stadium. Khan said: "The
scenes were a disgrace by mindless hooligans and I have called on those who
run West Ham to focus on building better relations. The overwhelming
majority of West Ham fans, and the taxpayer, deserve much better."
Meanwhile, the club expects to issue further bans before next Saturday's
home match against Southampton when Gold, his fellow co owner David
Sullivan, and Ms Brady are expected to publicly defy the boo boys together.
"We take a zero tolerance approach to any form of violence that endangers
the welfare of others, and we are committed to ensuring a safe and
comfortable environment for all spectators," they warned.
West Ham's united stand comes after safety advisors to the local Newham
Council warned that all home games will now be 'closely monitored' and could
be followed by the exclusion of supporters for at least one game. The
Football Association is expected to back that crackdown with a similar
warning when their On-Field Football Regulation team concludes an inquiry
into the violence. They have already studied reports from match referee
Graham Scott and from West Ham and other eye witnesses, after Sullivan,
Gold, and Ms Brady were forced to retreat for their own safety during the
disturbances. Meanwhile, police presence will be significantly boosted -
inside and outside the London Stadium - at a game which which is crucial for
both clubs in their fight for Premier League survival, and will also see
Mark Hughes making his league debut as Southampton manager.

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Lionel Messi in Luis Suarez talks about West Ham deal for Manuel Lanzini
BARCELONA star Lionel Messi has reportedly told Luis Suarez he can see West
Ham's Manuel Lanzini plying his trade at the Nou Camp.
By JACK OTWAY
PUBLISHED: 17:32, Sat, Mar 24, 2018 | UPDATED: 17:51, Sat, Mar 24, 2018
Daily Express

Barcelona duo Messi and Suarez are currently on international duty with La
Liga action set to resume next weekend. Lanzini, meanwhile, is also away
with his country, training alongside Messi with Argentina. The West Ham star
has found this season tough with injuries preventing him from kicking on and
realising his full potential. Liverpool were tipped to sign him last summer
but their interest has cooled given West Ham's turbulent campaign. Yet
Spanish website Don Balon claim Messi is a huge admirer of Lanzini and would
welcome him to Barcelona. The 30-year-old is king of Catalonia and one of
Barcelona's most influential figures. The club gave him a bumper new deal
earlier in the season meaning he holds much power at the Nou Camp. And Don
Balon say Messi has told Suarez he feels the West Ham star would be a huge
hit at the club should he choose to leave. Barcelona may have to venture
into the market to find a replacement for Andres Iniesta this summer. The
Spaniard's time in Catalonia appears to be winding down and Lanzini, it has
been claimed, has Messi's approval to be his replacement. Messi reportedly
feels a stellar showing at the World Cup in Russia this year may be enough
for Barcelona to go for him. But whether they heed their No 10's advice
remains to be seen. Other players on Barcelona's radar for the summer
include Arthur Melo, Antoine Griezmann and Daley Blind.

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David Moyes to STAY at West Ham next season - but only if Hammers avoid
relegation from Premier League
EXCLUSIVE: The Scot took over from Slaven Bilic and will be given a full
campaign to solve east Londoner's problems
The Mirror
ByNeil Moxley
22:30, 24 MAR 2018

David Moyes is set to stay at West Ham next season – as long as he keeps the
Hammers in the Premier League. The Scot will be given a full season to knock
the club into shape after taking over from Slaven Bilic last November. The
Hammers lie just two points above the relegation zone following their
disastrous last outing – a 3-0 home defeat by Burnley. But if Moyes can
steer the club towards safety then he will be given another campaign to make
his mark. West Ham are currently interviewing for a replacement for
recruitment guru Tony Henry who was sacked following remarks about the club
not signing any more African players. Henry's potential successors have been
told that Moyes will also be part of that transfer process this summer – the
biggest hint yet that the former Manchester United boss will be staying at
the Olympic Stadium. After a promising start to life in East London, results
have tailed off – culminating in that controversial game against the Clarets
which was marred by pitch invasions. However, Moyes retains the backing of
co-chairmen David Sullivan and David Gold and will be given significant
funds to spend this summer if he can keep the Hammers up.

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