West Ham bans much mocked half-and-half scarves from stadium for new season as fans are warned they will be confiscated

WEST Ham bosses have banned much mocked half-and-half scarves for good. The divisive neckwear — bearing the names of both home and away teams — are sold outside grounds across the country and are popular with tourists. West Ham bosses have banned much mocked half-and-half scarves for good Credit: Getty Images But die-hard fans despise them, and they are sometimes outlawed for one-off games against rivals as displaying away colours at the home end poses safety risks. The Hammers, newly relegated to the Championship, have posted warning signs at their City of ­London Stadium. Sign up for the Football newsletter Thank you! They state: “West Ham United would like to remind supporters that half-and-half scarves and any items displaying the colours or crests of both clubs are permanently banned inside London Stadium. “This policy applies at all fixtures. “Supporters arriving with half-and-half scarves purchased from unofficial sellers will be required to hand them over to security staff at the security checkpoints and these scarves will not be returned. “Fans wishing to purchase a scarf for the game are encouraged to visit the official West Ham United Stadium Store where a full range of official merchandise is available ahead of kick-off.” The rule was brought in for the Hammers’ 3-1 League Cup win over Portsmouth last weekend. The move divided fans. West Ham nut John Hayes told The Sun: “The scarves are for the tourists who take away from the match atmosphere created by die-hard fans, who are often priced out of attending by the rubberneckers. Most read in Sport “Having a rival club’s crest on view in the home end sparks all sorts of problems. “These scarves deserve going into the bin — with hydration breaks.” But Arsenal fan Frank DuPont hit back: “Football is meant to be for everyone. Tourists spend the most in the club shops, and picking up a half-and-half scarf from a street vendor is not going to damage the match experience for fussy season ticket holders.” Previous West Ham games where the scarves have been banned include last season’s home match against Tottenham Hotspur. Comment now