Arsenal stewards tried but failed to thwart West Ham fans as they launched their latest protest against the club’s board at the Emirates.

Now the group behind the campaign to see West Ham chief David Sullivan and vice-chair Karren Brady step down is appealing for donations to continue their activism.

More than 4,000 Hammers fans took to the road leading to the director’s entrance at the London Stadium in protest against the owners ahead of the defeat to Crystal Palace recently.

Hammers United are the fan group leading what it vows will be a season-long campaign of activism, including a planned boycott of the club’s next home game against Brentford.

Hammers fans plan Brentford boycott

West Ham fans are demanding Sullivan and Brady stand aside, using their initials in their slogan ‘No more BS’.

Things were starting to get ugly in what the national press have been billing ‘civil war’ at West Ham.

The delay in sacking Potter had angered supporters, who feel it has been obvious for some time he was the wrong fit for the Hammers.

But Nuno Espirito Santo insisted he wanted to take on the challenge of daunting trips to Everton and Arsenal.

In truth, the Hammers emerged with one more point from those games than many expected after a 1-1 draw on Merseyside was followed up by a 2-0 loss at the Emirates.

There has been marked improvement in West Ham’s competitiveness under Nuno already.

But Hammers fans are vowing to continue their campaign against the owners regardless of results until they get the changes they are demanding from the ownership.

West Ham fans were meant to stage their last protest at Everton by releasing black balloons and unfurling ‘No more BS’ flags and banners.

West Ham fans defied Arsenal stewards in latest board protest

But classy Hammers supporters called it off out of respect to Everton’s plans to raise awareness for teenage cancer.

They would not be stopped at the Emirates, though, despite attempts to do just that.

West Ham fans defied Arsenal stewards in their latest board protest as the group behind them calls for donations.

Gunners staff and stewards were threatening Hammers fans with expulsion for releasing black balloons as a visual protest against the board.

There have also been claims from some supporters that stadium staff were instructed to inspect flags and banners and remove those referencing Sullivan and Brady.

West Ham fans pressed ahead with their protest, though, with Hammers United praising the away following.

“Good work West Ham United supporters,” Hammers United posted on X alongside a video of the balloons being released.

“Beating the ban on our black balloons.

“The way the black balloons go is when we have No More BS.”

The next protest is planned for the Brentford game after the international break.

Hammers United are asking fans to boycott the match altogether and not sell-on or relist their ticket.

Hammers United call for donations towards protest action

The fan group, which boasts 25,000 members, is also calling on fans to donate money to their GoFundMe page where they can to help continue the momentum of their campaign.

“In line with our founding principles, Hammers United will always remain free to its membership,” the Hammers United committee states.

“You will no doubt have seen, the NO MORE BS! Campaign is gaining huge momentum and gaining more and more support on a daily basis. The challenge we now face, is that as we plan more proactive and forceful action, we need help from our membership.

“The Hammers United Committee are just ordinary fans, with jobs and families and unfortunately to upscale the campaign, we cannot afford to pay for this work out of our own pockets. The funds we currently have will pay for the website and email operation for the next few months but we now need to raise funds to cover the costs of the protests we are planning.

“So, in line with a number of requests by many fans and members, we have decided that we need to appeal to our members.”

Hammers United insist there will be full transparency with regards to how the money raised is spent and any decisions to spend the money will require full committee approval.

“We would like to stress that as fans ourselves, we understand that every one of us has their own set of financial circumstances, and that being a supporter is already an expensive passion,” Hammers United add.

“There is absolutely no obligation here, and please, only contribute if and what you can afford. Any contribution is much appreciated. Your support and spreading the message as a member of Hammers United will always be of greater value than any financial contribution you could make.”

“No-one believed we would get this far and no-one will stop us working tirelessly for the good of our historic football club and all its supporters.”