Hollywood star backs concessions protests

  • by Staff Writer
  • Friday, 17th January 2025

Actor Ray Winstone has urged West Ham to reconsider their ticket pricing policy ahead of the 2025/26 season.

Winstone, the star of films including Scum, Sexy Beast and Sweeney Todd is also a lifelong West Ham United fan, having been born in Hackney.


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And earlier today he made it clear he is in full agreement with the 20,000+ supporters who have already added their name to a petition calling for the club to reverse changes to their concessions policy, which has seen children and the elderly hit with huge increases to their season ticket costs.

And that, according to Winstone, is "bang out of order" - as he slammed the club's board, one member of which - believed to be Karren Brady - was confirmed as having received an £80,000 pay rise a matter of months after the unpopular policy was implemented.

"I just hope that the owners and the West Ham board take into account the current climate concerning the price of a ticket for the young, old and disabled," he said.

"Wake up. These people support this great club. These people support your business. Now it’s time for you, West Ham, to show your thanks and support to them."

Meanwhile Paul Colborne, chair of supporters group Hammers United who are leading the opposition to the price hikes, said: “We’re very grateful to Ray Winstone for highlighting this issue of vital importance to our fans.

"We’re expecting an announcement from the club soon about next season's prices and we’ve been campaigning hard with other fan groups to persuade the club to restore the cheaper tickets. Now is the time for all fans to make their voices heard.

"Concessions make it more affordable for families – grandparents, parents, kids - to attend games together. Without them, that’s impossible for many people.

"Our new manager, Graham Potter, described us as ‘a family club’ in his first press conference. The board should back the manager, restore concessions, and let us be a genuine family club with everyone welcome; disabled, kids, elderly – everyone."

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