The Hammers players were also targeted with laser pens by home supporters during the bad-tempered 2-1 defeat in Athens.

“It wasn’t a good performance from us, admittedly,” said midfielder James Ward-Prowse on the Iron Cast podcast.

“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 then, for sure. Evening games in general are more gritty, it has a bit more bite to it, so it’ll be an interesting one against Olympiacos.”

Defender Angelo Ogbonna revealed all the visiting players had laser pens pointed in their faces at the raucous Georgios Karaiskakis Stadium.

“It’s part of the game, but it is a little bit unfair to play with the lasers,” said the Italian.

“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.

“Everyone was targeted. 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.

“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.”

The defeat ended West Ham’s 17-match unbeaten run in Europe, which was a record for an English club, although they remain top of Group A and on course for the knock-out stages.

“The crowd were phenomenal for Olympiacos, they played an enormous part and I have to be honest and say that on the day we didn’t perform,” said manager David Moyes.

“We didn’t play well, nowhere near our standards our levels. I wouldn’t hide that at all. I’m looking for much better tomorrow night.

“We’re going out there, we want to be in Europe after Christmas, if we can win tomorrow night we might have got ourselves in one of the tournaments, whether it’s the Europa League or the Conference. I want to make sure we get the wins and qualify.”

*copy from Press Association.


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