'He hates Palestine': West Ham urges fans to drop chant about Solomon's pro‑Israel stance

West Ham United has called on its supporters to cease using a chant referencing Manor Solomon, an Israeli footballer and former soldier, due to concerns over its perceived anti-Palestinian message. The club released a statement on Thursday, just days before its upcoming match against Charlton Athletic, urging fans to abandon the chant, which includes the phrase: “Manor Solomon’s on my mind and he hates Palestine.” The chant has been heard at matches involving Solomon, including during his time on loan at Leeds United in the 2024-25 season. The club emphasized that it does not condone chants that promote division or carry offensive messages. In its statement, West Ham highlighted its commitment to unity among players, staff, officials, and supporters, regardless of their personal backgrounds or beliefs. The club expressed concern that the chant could undermine its core values and create an environment that is not inclusive or welcoming to all. Manor Solomon, who joined West Ham from Tottenham Hotspur earlier this month, has previously drawn controversy for his public statements supporting Israel’s military actions in Palestine. During the 2023-24 season, while playing for Tottenham, Solomon frequently voiced his backing for Israel’s policies in the region. His remarks often aligned with official Israeli narratives regarding the conflict, particularly following the destruction of the al-Ahli Arab Hospital in Gaza in October 2023. At the time, Israeli authorities attributed the blast to Palestinian militants, though independent investigations later suggested otherwise. Solomon reiterated Israel’s position on the incident, stating that Palestinians were responsible for the deaths and injuries caused by the attack. This stance drew criticism from human rights organizations and international bodies, many of whom questioned the accuracy of Israel’s claims. Despite these criticisms, Solomon continued to advocate for Israel’s actions, even as the country’s military operations intensified in areas such as Rafah in early 2024. During the Israeli assault on Rafah, Solomon appeared to justify the military campaign, responding to detractors by asking, “Where were your eyes on October 7?” This reference to the Hamas-led attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, underscored his alignment with the Israeli government’s narrative. His comments were met with praise from certain Israeli media outlets, including Walla, which commended his efforts to remain vocal in defense of Israel amid widespread global condemnation. Solomon’s support for Israel’s military actions has extended beyond the current conflict. Earlier in 2021, during the displacement of Palestinian families in East Jerusalem’s Sheikh Jarrah neighborhood, he expressed solidarity with Israeli policies. Additionally, in October 2025, while playing for Villarreal in Spain, he criticized the presence of Palestinian flags at a match in Sevilla, claiming they made him feel threatened. He further stated his desire to score goals “in the faces” of Sevilla’s ultra-supporters, a remark that sparked additional controversy. West Ham’s call for fans to discontinue the chant comes amid growing scrutiny of athletes’ roles in political discourse. As the club prepares for its upcoming fixtures, it seeks to maintain a unified identity that reflects its broader community values. The decision highlights the increasing pressure on sports organizations to address the intersection of politics and fandom, ensuring that their platforms remain inclusive and respectful of diverse perspectives.