“He hates Palestine”: Backlash after West Ham fans sing for ‘Israeli’ player Manor Solomon
Note: AI technology was used to generate this article’s audio.
Supporters of English football club West Ham United have sparked fresh controversy after a section of the away end at Turf Moor was filmed singing a provocative chant about new signing Manor Solomon during the club’s 2-2 Championship draw with Burnley on Sunday.
The song, adapted to the tune of Manfred Mann’s “Do Wah Diddy Diddy,” includes the line “Manor Solomon’s on my mind and he hates Palestine.”
Videos of the chant circulated widely on social media shortly after the ‘Israeli’ international scored on his debut, helping put the Hammers 2-0 up before Burnley fought back.
West Ham fans sing Manor Solomon song. pic.twitter.com/dBJL8oWU3y
— Hammers Hub (@HammersHubWHUFC) August 16, 2026
Commentators and some fans have called the lyrics inflammatory and divisive at a time when the humanitarian crisis in Gaza continues to claim lives and displace civilians.
Some of the fans described the chant as “disgusting,” questioning why supporters feel entitled to sing in support of ‘Israel’.
Solomon, 27, joined West Ham from Tottenham Hotspur earlier this month on a three-year deal reported to be worth around £5 million.
The transfer itself had already prompted online protests from pro-Palestine supporters unhappy with the winger’s public statements in support of ‘Israel’ following the events of October 7.
Solomon has posted messages affirming ‘Israel’s’ alleged “right to defend itself” and challenging narratives critical of the ‘Israeli’ response.
A similar song was regularly heard among Leeds United fans during Solomon’s successful loan spell there in 2024-25.
Leeds repeatedly condemned the chant as discriminatory, warned of possible bans, and increased stewarding and CCTV in affected stands.
West Ham have not yet issued a formal statement on the latest footage.
