Fans of West Ham United have been fuming over a club announcement about a pre-season tournament prior to the 2020/21 term.
On Wednesday, the Irons announced that the club was heading to Australia to take on Crystal Palace and Brisbane Roar in the ‘inaugural EVA Air Queensland Champions Cup’ in July (per West Ham), which fans were furious with.
We’re heading to a land down under… ???
This July, we’re travelling to Australia to take on @CPFC and @brisbaneroar in the inaugural EVA Air Queensland Champions Cup!#QLDChampionsCup #EVAAir pic.twitter.com/Izei1BGukO
— West Ham United (@WestHam) March 4, 2020
We’re heading to a land down under…
The Championship.
— Forever_Boleyn (@Forever_Boleyn) March 4, 2020
Champions of Betway and Champions of EVA Air Queensland Champions Cup in ONE pre-season? I wouldn’t be able to cope tbh
— James Gunn (@jamesgunn_) March 4, 2020
Once again, commercial pressures dictate pre season rather than what’s right for the players and getting them in best shape for the season ahead! #BradyOut #StrollonGSB
— Nick Harvey (@nick_harv) March 4, 2020
Do you believe that pre-season tournaments abroad are a good or a bad thing?Good, there are many benefits
Bad, a distraction from the PL |
Last summer, the Hammers featured in an overseas tournament in the Premier League Asia Trophy in China, in which they were beaten by both Manchester City and Newcastle United (per football.london).
However, following the announcement over the trip to Australia next summer, supporters of the London club continued to air their various disapprovals.
Hope this is not a reference to relegation, you should have chosen a more appropriate tagline ?
— Mr James (@MrJames97696268) March 4, 2020
I fear heading to league down under too unless pull socks up!
— david ekers (@DavidEkers) March 4, 2020
Maybe we should be concentrating on staying in the premier league rather than summer holidays ?
— Charlie Levy ? (@CharlieLevy92) March 4, 2020
joke.
— #GSBOUT (@WHUbachmann) March 4, 2020
What do we think?
From a commercial point of view, a pre-season tournament abroad makes huge sense (per The National) and, furthermore, allows supporters in different countries to see their side play.
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However, it does not seem as though some supporters are behind this one, with many wanting the club to keep their attention on staying in the Premier League.