West Ham United are appealing for witnesses to come forward
following an incident during yesterday's Premiership match at
Upton Park, when Arsenal striker Robin Van Persie was struck by a
coin thrown by someone in the crowd.
The Dutchman was hit while taking a throw in front of the Dr Martens Stand lower tier, close to the edge of the penalty area at the Centenary Stand end and, with CCTV evidence proving inconclusive, the Club is now asking supporters in that part of the stadium to provide any information they may have about the incident.
Managing Director Paul Aldridge says: "It goes without saying that there is no place in football for the kind of incident that occurred yesterday, and I am sure that all genuine West Ham United supporters feel the same way.
"We would be appalled if one of our own players were to be the victim of such an incident during a match, and so we will be doing everything we can to trace the individual who carried out this assault. Once we find them, they will be dealt with in the most severe way possible.
"As a Football Club, we are committed to doing all we can to ensure that Upton Park is a safe and sporting environment for all players, supporters and officials, and we will not let the actions of one person spoil that."
If you witnessed the coin-throwing or have any other information about the incident, please contact West Ham United's Police Matchday helpline, by sending a text message to 07969 042837. Alternatively, you can contact the Club's Stadium Manager John Ball on 020 8548 2748, or write to him at the usual stadium address.
*Supporters are advised that all information will be treated with complete confidentiality.
The Dutchman was hit while taking a throw in front of the Dr Martens Stand lower tier, close to the edge of the penalty area at the Centenary Stand end and, with CCTV evidence proving inconclusive, the Club is now asking supporters in that part of the stadium to provide any information they may have about the incident.
Managing Director Paul Aldridge says: "It goes without saying that there is no place in football for the kind of incident that occurred yesterday, and I am sure that all genuine West Ham United supporters feel the same way.
"We would be appalled if one of our own players were to be the victim of such an incident during a match, and so we will be doing everything we can to trace the individual who carried out this assault. Once we find them, they will be dealt with in the most severe way possible.
"As a Football Club, we are committed to doing all we can to ensure that Upton Park is a safe and sporting environment for all players, supporters and officials, and we will not let the actions of one person spoil that."
If you witnessed the coin-throwing or have any other information about the incident, please contact West Ham United's Police Matchday helpline, by sending a text message to 07969 042837. Alternatively, you can contact the Club's Stadium Manager John Ball on 020 8548 2748, or write to him at the usual stadium address.
*Supporters are advised that all information will be treated with complete confidentiality.