{
  "id": 311740,
  "title": "Sullivan attends West Ham game despite advice not to",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/08/sullivan-attends-west-ham-game-despite-advice-not-to",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-08-08T14:23:56.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "BBC Sport",
    "slug": "bbc-sport",
    "url": "https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/articles/c07rx4r40ngo?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "David Sullivan, the former co-chairman of West Ham United, attended the club's Carabao Cup match against Portsmouth at London Stadium on Monday, despite being advised against it due to safeguarding concerns. Sullivan resigned from his position as co-chairman in June, following seven women accusing him of sexually exploitative and predatory behaviour, allegations he denies. Despite the club's recommendation and London Stadium's concerns about potential fan unrest, there were no reported issues inside the stadium before or after the match. The match is significant as it marks West Ham's first appearance in the EFL Cup since their relegation from the Premier League last season. Sullivan, who remains the largest shareholder with a 38.8% stake, was banned from contact with West Ham's women's and youth teams for three years due to safeguarding issues.",
  "summary": "Former West Ham United co-chairman David Sullivan has attended a Carabao Cup match against Portsmouth despite being advised to stay away from home games. Sullivan resigned from his position in June amid allegations of sexual misconduct, which he denies. West Ham, who recently returned to the EFL Cup for the first time in 15 years following relegation from the Premier League, played their first match since the allegations were reported. The club had previously banned Sullivan from contact with their women's and youth teams due to safeguarding concerns. Despite these measures, Sullivan, who still owns a 38.8% stake in the club, chose to attend the match. London Stadium, the venue, had recommended to West Ham that Sullivan not attend due to potential fan unrest, but no issues were reported before or after the game.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "BBC Sport Football",
        "title": "Sullivan attends West Ham game despite advice not to",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/08/sullivan-attends-west-ham-game-despite-advice-not-to-311807",
        "published": "2026-08-08T14:23:56.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}