WEST HAM FAN VIEW: Supporters’ return did not feel like the middle of a pandemic… the words ‘lucky’ and ‘excited’ were heard across the ground
- A small number of fans have been able to see their beloved teams this weekend
- At West Ham, 2,000 fans were in attendance to see their clash with Man United
- Hammers season ticket holder DAVID IMPEY recounts the special experience
The walk up to the stadium was quiet. Much quieter than usual. You saw a fan every 200 yards instead of a few feet in front of you, singing and cheering, as you cross the bridge from Westfield.
All of those we did see, you could not help but hear the words ‘lucky’, ‘excited’ and ‘great to be back’. You miss the joking and the banter. You miss the kids shouting, the stadium experience.
It was so easy to get inside. There were loads of staff. We had our temperatures taken, everyone had masks on and there was hand sanitiser everywhere.
West Ham supporter David Impey was among the 2,000 fans back at the London Stadium
Fans have been absent since March but the Hammers had their support for a Man United clash
Fans felt safe and were able to enjoy their return, despite the strange circumstances of it
Inside the stands, there were at least three seats between us and the next bubble. The whole thing felt like more of a family event. It did not feel as though we were in the middle of a pandemic.
There were 1,996 people I didn’t know but we all felt safe. Everyone was relaxed. We were not told we had to wear our masks during the game.
Everyone was happy, too — well, until United brought on Marcus Rashford and changed the whole game!
When ‘Bubbles’ started, the hairs raised on the back of my neck. We cheered every goal as the club showed highlights of previous games on the big screens. Not as loudly as when we actually scored, though.
The event felt more family-oriented, but the players still felt their supporters’ encouragement
The process for getting into the ground was smooth with temperatures checked outside
Everyone was on their feet, cheering. That was brilliant. We sang songs, there was huge encouragement whenever West Ham players pressed and won tackles.
It was great to be back but it still felt extremely different. Once one person started singing, everyone else got involved. The players reacted to the encouragement. But once the chants stopped, there was instant silence. You could hear a pin drop.
But I loved it. I think everyone did. You would normally leave straight away but everyone took a moment to take it all in and respect all the work everyone has done to get us back in.
I think we were all in awe of being back in the stadium having never thought we would be again this season.