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West Ham defender Ogbonna warns Olympiakos: This is a grudge match

West Ham defender Angelo Ogbonna has fired a warning at Europa League opponents Olympiakos and their fans.

Ogbonna was left unimpressed by the antics of the Olympiakos fans after West Ham's defeat in Athens.

Ahead of tonight's clash, he said: “With the way they celebrated their win, maybe if we had the same win we would be a little bit more respectful but it is football.

“It is a little bit unfair to play with the lasers. As a British club we are more respectful with that part of the game but they are very passionate fans. That's something you rarely see in football."

Asked about being targeted with lasers, Ogbonna said: “Yeah of course, everyone. The problem isn't just for strikers, it's for all the players, but that is in the past. We are focused for our game. Hopefully the lasers are going to be banned."

“Yeah [it is a grudge match]," he told the Irons Cast podcast. “It wasn't a good performance from us, admittedly. We left a lot out there, which is a frustrating feeling to have.

“The way they reacted after they won the game – you could hear it down the corridor – we spoke about it and said it's a good opportunity coming to put that right and show them something. You could see a different West Ham, for sure. Evening games in general are more gritty, it has a bit more bite to it, so it'll be an interesting one on that Thursday against Olympiacos."

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Paul Vegas

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