West Ham United co-chairman David Sullivan has apologised after a group of fans attacked Manchester United's team bus prior to last night's final Premier League game at Upton Park.
The kickoff had to be delayed by 45 minutes after United's journey to the stadium was halted when objects were thrown at the team coach by a large crowd of Hammers supporters.
Pictures and videos posted on social media showed that the vehicle had suffered damaged, while United captain Wayne Rooney claimed that the bus was "smashed up" in the incident.
Sullivan initially blamed United for the kickoff delay, insisting that there was "no attack" on the coach, but after learning details of the incident, West Ham's co-chairman has condemned the fans' behaviour.
"The West Ham family all celebrated our legends and former players together in what was a truly fitting ceremony to say goodbye to our home of 112 years," Sullivan said in a statement. "Sadly, the actions of very small minority of people outside the ground prior to kickoff risks overshadowing those celebrations.
"I want to be clear - their behaviour was completely unacceptable and does not represent our club or our values. When I was asked about the incident prior to yesterday's game, I was unaware of the damage that had occurred to the Manchester United team bus. I want to apologise to Manchester United for that damage and assure them that we will be doing all we can to track down those responsible and ban them for life.
"This morning I have already tasked my senior team to work with the police to identify them as their behaviour belongs in the past and not in a future that promises so much for our great club. I truly hope that in due course we will look back on what happened in the stadium rather than what happened outside and remember our farewell to the Boleyn for all the right reasons."
It was also a dramatic night on the pitch as the Hammers came from 2-1 down to claim a 3-2 victory.
Danielle Joynson
