West Ham United director Sir Trevor Brooking concedes they could be ordered to play in an empty stadium after Saturday's controversy.

During defeat to Burnley, four pitch invasions occurred, while co-owners David Sullivan and David Gold were forced to leave the director's box to escape protesting fans.

Brooking, who stayed in his seat while the directors were ushered into the boardroom, conceded West Ham – just three points above the drop zone – could be ordered to play in am empty stadium.

He said: “The police and board have to get together and make sure whoever is looking after control of the crowd against Southampton in three weeks' time has the experience and knowledge to make sure nothing escalates like it did yesterday.

“If they can reassure the FA and the Premier League then, hopefully, you would like the game to take place in front of a crowd."