Potter calls for unity after Bowen’s fan row

After Jarrod Bowen apologized for trying to confront fans, West Ham manager Graham Potter acknowledged the Hammers are “in pain” but called for unity.

Following the Hammers’ 3-2 EFL Cup defeat at Molineux, the forward was held down by stewards at the final whistle, with late goals leaving them with a third-straight defeat.

Bowen had reached out to the traveling fans to salute them, only to react as something appeared to be said in the stands.

The winless Hammers were humiliated in defeat at the start of a season that was already turbulent after a late Jorgen Strand Larsen brace.

Potter once said, “We’re all in pain, so we need everyone to help. We need everyone’s support. We need to move on to the next game.”

We all suffer, we all do, and we all are suffering right now. No one is happy, I can assure you.

“I don’t know what was said or anything,” I said. Our supporters have been fantastic, but the results we’ve had hurt them, and Jarrod obviously cares about the team and the club. Simply put, it’s a discussion between those who care.

Everyone is hurting because we didn’t get the desired outcomes, which is right. Jorod has served the club well and was a fantastic captain.

Since Julen Lopetegui replaced him in January, Potter has won just five of his 22 games in charge of Molineux, adding to the pressure on him.

The Hammers travel to Nottingham Forest in the Premier League on Sunday after conceding 11 goals in three defeats, including last week’s 5-1 thrashing by Chelsea.

The away supporters applauded Bowen, who had the closest contact with them before becoming angry. He apologized for his actions 45 minutes after the final whistle, though.

The England international apologized to the fans on Instagram for tonight’s reaction.

I’m a passionate person who fights every time I play on the field. However, I must set a better example to let fans know how much I adore both this club and you.