Former West Ham United captain Steve Lomas has urged fans to get behind the players.

With supporters planning to demonstrate against the board during the away game at Liverpool and again at the crucial home clash against Southampton later this month, Lomas has warned it could contribute to relegation.

He told The Sun: “Knowing what I know about unrest, my appeal as an ex-captain is: Until the end of the season, get behind the club, get behind the manager, get behind the players and then they can voice their opinions."

West Ham travel to Manchester City on Sunday before heading to Anfield in their next Premier League game on February 24.

Lomas added: “You look at the next two fixtures and think there won't be any points.

“Then the Southampton game isn't a six-pointer, it almost becomes a nine-pointer.

“Southampton should be an inspiration, where they were after that 9-0 defeat. The Southampton fans stuck behind their team.

“The last thing we need is demonstrations at home, because indirectly the fans will be hurting the club."