Former West Ham United co-chairman David Sullivan attended the club's Carabao Cup first-round tie against Portsmouth on Tuesday, despite being advised against attending home matches at London Stadium.

Sullivan stepped down as co-chairman in June after seven women accused him of sexually exploitative and predatory behaviour — allegations he has categorically denied. The Portsmouth fixture was the first West Ham match played since those accusations were made public.

Safeguarding concerns and shareholder status

A joint investigation by BBC Panorama and The Times had previously reported that Sullivan was banned from contact with West Ham's women's and youth teams for three years due to safeguarding concerns — a period that predates his resignation.

Despite leaving his boardroom role, Sullivan retains a 38.8% stake in the club, making him its largest individual shareholder.

Stadium recommendation ignored

A spokesperson for London Stadium told BBC News on Monday that the venue had "recommended" to West Ham that Sullivan not attend matches, citing concerns over potential unrest among supporters. However, no significant incidents were reported inside the stadium before or shortly after kick-off.

West Ham are appearing in the opening round of the EFL Cup for the first time in 15 years, a consequence of their relegation from the Premier League last season.