West Ham’s Premier League clash with Sunderland was briefly halted after the officials were made aware of an incident between the home supporters and players on the away side’s bench
West Ham and Sunderland’s clash was briefly paused after an incident between home supporters and players on the away team’s bench. The Hammers were leading the game 3-1 in the closing stages, when Sunderland midfielder Granit Xhaka appeared to become embroiled in a row with a fan sat behind him.
More players and officials then became involved, before the referee was forced to pause proceedings for a short period. The game eventually resumed with the home side securing a vital victory in their battle against Premier League relegation.
The Black Cats headed to East London looking to continue their incredible first season back in the top flight, knowing a win would have put them up to fifth in the table.
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But they were under the cosh right from the outset and found themselves three goals down at the break. Crysencio Summerville opened the scoring with a header, before Jarrod Bowen converted a penalty and Mateus Fernandes scored from distance.
Brian Brobbey grabbed a consolation, but it was a frustrating afternoon for Sunderland. Those frustrations were clearly felt on the bench as well, as cameras picked up Xhaka – who was out with an injury – angrily arguing with a supporter directly behind him.
“There’s lots of conversations down there,” TNT Sports commentator Darren Fletcher said. “The referee has now been alerted by the video assistant that there is this issue involving Granit Xhaka and some fans.
“It has been described as a dispute in the crowd, so while they get that sorted, they will just pause the game. Which is something you don’t see.”
Ally McCoist added: “I don’t know what’s going on, but I’m not sure it’s enough to stop the game. I suppose you have to be careful and we are not privy to what is going on.”
And while the game was able to continue, the issue clearly wasn’t fully resolved as cameras then caught Xhaka in another angry exchange as he left the bench following the final whistle.
The win for West Ham, means they go to within two points of Nottingham Forest, who occupy the first spot outside of the relegation zone. Sunderland remain in ninth, but could drop into the bottom half by the end of the weekend.
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