West Ham 2 Hull City 1: Sam Allardyce shocked by final-whistle boos

Sam Allardyce admitted his bemusement after some West Ham United fans booed at the final whistle despite their victory over 10-man Hull City.

The Hammers took the lead through Mark Noble’s penalty in the 26th minute after Hull goalkeeper Allan McGregor was sent off for bringing down Mohamed Diame.

Nikica Jelavic’s deflected goal levelled the score in the 48th minute, but a calamitous James Chester own goal handed West Ham a win which moved them up to 11th in the table and nine points above the drop zone.

Fans affect players. We don’t need them on the players’ backs

Sam Allardyce

“I’ve never been to a place where I won and got booed,” said Allardyce, who cupped his ear to highlight his surprise at the jeers at the final whistle.

“I started at 16, got into the first team at 18 and I’m 59 now and I have never been in place where we have won and got booed.

“At half-time players were talking more about fans booing them than the game. Fans affect players. We don’t need them on the players’ backs when we are coming off three defeats. They have to stay and help them win.

“They are frustrated. I get frustrated. I want the players to play better and take advantage more of the 10 men, but you don’t at this level.

“People are organised, wait for an opportunity to suck you in and expose you, even with 10 men. It’s not an easy task and we should all be very grateful.”

Allardyce went on to praise his side’s performance in east London.

“We were absolutely magnificent,” he continued. “It’s been a tight few games and swings and roundabouts have happened.

“I suppose we had a bit of fortune as the referee could have given a handball on Mohamed Diame for the penalty we got, but if he hasn’t seen that, it’s definitely a sending off for Allan McGregor.

“Then we got a little nervous because our fans decided they weren’t going to get behind us which really surprised me. We were winning at half-time and one or two weren’t happy.”