Darren Bent shared that he thought West Ham fans were unpredictable and expressed his concern regarding the pitch invaders in the 3-1 defeat to Tottenham on Wednesday.
The former Spurs forward delivered his verdict on Hammers supporters when asked whether it was distracting when fans intervene in games following there being two pitch invaders in the club’s recent EFL Cup clash.
Bent shared he feared the incident could have been a lot worse as with one fan running on to pitch in a ‘Scream’ mask you just never know what is going to happened.
“Yeah I think I have, I remember there being issues before (pitch invaders) a couple of times when it was the end of a season and we were relegated so fans ran on but in this situation it can be difficult,” said Bent on talkSPORT (Thursday November 1, 9:02am).
“Because West Ham fans are known for being tough fans, you never know what you’re going to get with them, there have been films that have been made about them.
“I’m sure in that arena it would be distracting as you just don’t know and I heard before them talking about the security at the London Arena and to be fair they need to put a clamp down on these things as it could have been a lot worse.
“I know nothing happened but if a guy runs on the pitch in a Scream mask you just never know.”
OPINION
Bent never got the privileged to play for the Hammers but it seems he certainly has an opinion on Hammers fans. There was no need for him to suggest that the situation regarding fans getting on the pitch was more difficult because it potentially involved Hammers supporters. While there have been some unsavoury scenes at the London Stadium before, see the clash with Burnley in March, it’s a little harsh to bundle everyone in the same category. However Bent is completely spot-on to be concerned regarding the security at the London Stadium as it is simply unacceptable in 2018 that supporters are able to get on to pitch. It’s good news that nothing really happened other than two supporters running around making a scene as you just never know in these days. Hopefully London Stadium security is addressed following this incident, particularly the guy in the Scream mask, as at least something good would have come out of it.
