Is this the reason why West Ham had no sponsor on shirts against FCSB – 16-year-old Scarles starting

So what was the reason why?

When this has happened in the past, it has been because the country we are playing in has strict rules regarding betting firms sponsoring football teams.

Our game away at Dinamo Zagreb last season was a good example of this.

I think there may have been another reason this time though. FCSB had betting company Betano as their shirt sponsor after all.

Ollie Scarles started the game for the Hammers out in Romania tonight. The 16-year-old is an unbelievable talent and he showcased his outstanding ability against FCSB.

The fact that he is 16 was surely the reason why West Ham had to play with no sponsor on our shirts tonight.

A Betway spokesperson recently told The Athletic:

Betway has zero tolerance with marketing to under 18s. As one of the first betting operators to remove our branding from under 18’s kit and supporter merchandise, we feel very strongly about our responsibility in this area

If that is the reason why, I think that’s great.

We ran a piece right here on Hammers News highlighting the issues with betting companies sponsoring football teams.

There is no room for betting in young peoples’ lives, that’s for sure.

Read also:

David Moyes names one West Ham player he wouldn’t want to defend against

Moyes’ comments on results away at ‘big 6’ will infuriate West Ham fans