David Sullivan attends West Ham match despite stadium advice to stay away
London Stadium recommended Sullivan avoid the Carabao Cup tie over safeguarding and protest risks
Incident → evidence → outcomeWest Ham co-owner David Sullivan attended the club’s Carabao Cup match against Portsmouth at London Stadium on 27 July, defying advice from the venue’s landlord to stay away. London Stadium had recommended Sullivan avoid the event, citing safeguarding concerns and the risk of protests following allegations of sexually exploitative behaviour made by seven women.
The allegations were published in June as part of a joint investigation by BBC Panorama and The Times. Sullivan, 77, has denied all claims, describing them as "factually incorrect and entirely false, decades-old allegations concerning my personal life". He stepped down as joint chairman of West Ham shortly before the investigation was broadcast.
Stadium advice and safeguarding concerns
London Stadium issued a statement on 23 July explaining its position. The venue said it had sought further information from West Ham to ensure it could meet its safeguarding responsibilities. The club informed London Stadium that it had investigated the matter and found no ongoing safeguarding risk linked to Sullivan’s attendance.
Despite this, London Stadium recommended Sullivan stay away due to the potential for demonstrations and anti-social behaviour. The statement added that the venue had requested advance notice of any planned attendance to allow for additional safety measures. Sullivan did not follow this advice.
No protests reported during match
Around 9,000 Portsmouth fans travelled to London Stadium for the match. MyLondon reported no incidents of unrest or anti-social behaviour before, during, or after the game. The attendance passed without the protests London Stadium had warned could occur.
What happens next
It is unclear whether London Stadium will issue further guidance to West Ham regarding Sullivan’s attendance at future matches. The venue has not indicated whether it will take additional steps to address the safeguarding concerns raised. West Ham has not commented on Sullivan’s decision to attend the match.
Questions this report answers
01Why was David Sullivan advised not to attend the West Ham match?
London Stadium recommended Sullivan stay away due to safeguarding concerns and the risk of protests. This followed allegations of sexually exploitative behaviour made by seven women in a BBC Panorama and The Times investigation. The venue sought to prevent potential anti-social behaviour.
02Did any protests happen at the match?
No protests or anti-social behaviour were reported during the Carabao Cup match between West Ham and Portsmouth on 27 July. Around 9,000 Portsmouth fans attended, and the game passed without incident, as reported by MyLondon.
03What has David Sullivan said about the allegations?
Sullivan has strongly denied all allegations, calling them "factually incorrect and entirely false, decades-old allegations concerning my personal life". He stepped down as West Ham’s joint chairman in June, before the BBC Panorama and The Times investigation was published.
04Will London Stadium take further action?
It is unclear whether London Stadium will issue further guidance or take additional steps. The venue has not indicated any plans to address the safeguarding concerns raised, and West Ham has not commented on Sullivan’s decision to attend the match.
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