WEST HAM have demanded that a politician stop using the club’s badge in his election campaign.
With the support of Rupert Lowe’s Restore Britain, Shayne Wiskin is running as an independent in the Canning Town and East Plaistow local election on May 7.
His campaign material has caught the attention of West Ham fans due to the placement of the club’s badge in the background.
Wiskin’s use of the emblem has caused a stir among the Hammers’ fan base on social media.
Many have demanded it be removed with some calling the badge “sacred” and its use in the campaign is “disgusting abuse”.
While others have supported its use in the imagery by Wiskin.
The badge that features on the campaign material was on the club’s shirts between 1999 and 2016.
Is was the emblem on the shirts for the historic final season at the Boleyn Ground before it was updated following the move to Stratford’s London Stadium.
SunSport understands West Ham have contacted the candidate to tell him he is not permitted to use the club’s branding.
The club holds a strictly neutral position in relation to political matters and do not allow its branding, imagery or facilities to be used in support of any political party.
SunSport have contacted Wiskin for comment.
The Hammers badge has evolved alongside the club’s identity through its roots in East London.
When the club was founded as Thames Ironworks in 1895, the crest reflected its shipbuilding heritage.
After becoming West Ham United in 1900, the crossed hammers — symbolising riveters at the ironworks — became the central feature and have remained ever since.
When the badge last changed ten years ago the castle was removed and the word “London” was added.
