West Ham United boss Sam Allardyce won't apologise for cupping his air after their win against Hull City last season.

The two teams meet again today and Allardyce stands by his actions.

"I've never had a problem with the fans cheering or booing," he said.

"It is part of the game, part of what you have to accept - part of a life today that has become ever-more demanding.

"People that pay money are allowed to express their opinion whether you think it is right or wrong. My fear was how much it affected the players, not how much it affected me.

"I would take the stick, I would take the pressure off them by creating the cupping of the ear. I thought it was unfair at that particular time.

"They could vent their anger at me, no problem. But keep away from the players because if you affect them then they don't play here, then they are frightened to play here.

"When they get to that stage they can't perform to their best and it is a vicious circle then. At that particular time it was about winning, it didn't matter how we won as long as we won - and we did win."