Sullivan attends West Ham match despite advice to stay away
Former West Ham United co-chairman David Sullivan attended the club's Carabao Cup tie against Portsmouth despite being advised not to attend home games at London Stadium. Sullivan resigned in June after allegations of sexually exploitative behaviour.
David Sullivan, who stepped down as West Ham United co-chairman in June, still turned up for the club's Carabao Cup match against Portsmouth despite being advised against attending home fixtures at London Stadium.
His resignation followed accusations from seven women who described his conduct as sexually exploitative and predatory. Sullivan has categorically denied the claims.
First game since allegations surfaced
Following relegation from the Premier League last season, West Ham are competing in the opening round of the EFL Cup for the first time in 15 years. The fixture against Portsmouth marked the club's first match since the allegations against Sullivan became public.
A joint investigation by BBC Panorama and The Times found that Sullivan has for the past three years been barred from contact with West Ham's women's and youth teams over safeguarding concerns.
Despite giving up the co-chairman role, Sullivan remains the club's largest individual shareholder, holding a 38.8% stake.
A London Stadium spokesperson confirmed to BBC News on Monday that the venue had recommended West Ham keep Sullivan away, citing worries about possible unrest among supporters. Nonetheless, no apparent issues arose inside the ground before or shortly after kick-off.
