Kick It Out (unless it's free)

West Ham chairman David Gold has been inundated with messages on Twitter from Hammers fans protesting about the possible signing of El Hadji Diouf.

The affable chairman, who maintains a dignified stance on the popular social network should have been enjoying a relaxing weekend with West Ham not playing at Brighton until Monday night.

However he has instead spent the last 48 hours fending off criticism from supporters outraged at the board's decision to consider signing a player who spat at its own fans and was questioned by Police for alleged racist remarks made towards a ball boy two years ago.

Gold - pictured above wearing a 'Kick It Out' badge during the game with Blackpool just seven days ago - has failed to comment on the situation, although it is understood that he has not personally endorsed Diouf's possible arrival.

Sam Allardyce - who is thought to be behind the plans to sign Diouf - attempted this morning to persuade West Ham supporters that they were wrong about the Senegalese international when he suggested that they would 'appreciate' his unique talents at the Boleyn.

However that only served to anger the vast majority of supporters, a number of whom have since tweeted Gold.

Allardyce is no stranger to defending his former employee at Bolton; following the alleged racism incident referred to above he backed the player, stating, "[it was] not a situation where Dioufy was the aggressor, but he's being made out to be."

A selection of messages sent to Gold via Twitter in the last 24 hours appear below.



"Please don't sign El Hadji Diouf. I couldn't come to watch West Ham with him in the side. Vile man."
- ali_888

"What are you playing at considering letting Big Sam sign El Hadji Diouf? Shock misjudgment in most fans eyes. He's a disgrace!"
- DeanRSpicer

"Despicable character. Don't do it Mr Gold."
- segalmark

"Please do not tarnish our club by signing Diouf... have you any idea how unpopular that will be?"
- dylanjane1

"I'm yet to speak to one fellow supporter who would welcome Diouf. It would be a shame for our proud club to sign such a person."
- gbuffers

"Diouf? Really? Not a great advert for any club."
- olliereed123

"If they do, they won't get a penny out of me while he's with us! So what about it David Gold, will you listen?"
- ClaretNBlues

"For God's sake, PLEASE DON'T approve the signing of El-Hadji Diouf as reported today. He's trouble - NOT WHAT'S WANTED AT WHU!"
- millerswell2

"Are you signing the scumbag?"
- hicksofactor

"If you sign Diouf then all goodwill you have built up will be gone. You are a West Ham fan; I hope you do the right thing."
- pennywisepeter