David Sullivan (foto: Getty Images)
Former West Ham co-owner David Sullivan has been advised not to attend the club's home matches as pressure continues to mount following serious allegations against him.
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Former West Ham United co-owner David Sullivan has been urged not to attend the club's home matches as the controversy surrounding the businessman continues to grow.
The 77-year-old, who stepped down from all positions at the club in June following serious allegations of sexual abuse, has now received a formal warning from the management of the London Stadium.
According to reports, stadium officials are concerned that Sullivan's presence at Premier League matches could provoke protests among supporters and create potential security issues.
Security concerns at the London Stadium
The warning follows allegations published by BBC Panorama and The Times, in which several women accused Sullivan of sexual exploitation and abuse dating back to the 1980s.
Sullivan has strongly denied all of the allegations.
In an official statement, the London Stadium management said additional security assessments had been carried out following the media reports.
" Following media reports regarding security and safety, we have gathered additional information to ensure our own security standards are met. Mr. Sullivan has been asked to inform us in advance if he plans to visit so that additional security measures can be put in place."
While West Ham's own review reportedly concluded that Sullivan's attendance would not present a direct security risk, stadium officials are said to prefer that he does not attend home fixtures while the situation remains highly sensitive.
Sullivan denies all allegations
The former West Ham owner has described the accusations as "completely untrue" and has announced his intention to launch legal action against the BBC, alleging defamation.
Despite the recommendation that he stay away from matches, reports in England claim Sullivan has no intention of giving up his seat at the London Stadium and plans to continue attending games.
Pressure continues to build
The situation has placed further pressure on one of the Premier League's most controversial former owners.
Although Sullivan is no longer involved in the day-to-day running of West Ham, the ongoing legal and public controversy continues to cast a shadow over the club as the new season approaches.