West Ham shareholder David Sullivan will not be present for their forthcoming match against fierce rivals Millwall.

According to The Athletic, the EFL has notified the Lions that the 77-year-old would not attend the game this weekend.

This will be the two London clubs’ first encounter since their Championship clash at Upton Park on February 4, 2012.

The Hammers won 2-1, with goals from Carlton Cole and Winston Reid giving Sam Allardyce’s team all three points.

However, Alex Neil’s team will now go into this weekend’s game at the Den with confidence that they can win.

Millwall have not won against West Ham since their league game at the Den on November 21, 2004, when a Daniele Dichio goal secured a 1-0 victory.

Leeds United vs Norwich City: Last 5 meetings

Date

Ground

Winner (scoreline)

04 Feb 2012

Upton Park

West Ham (2–1)

17 Sep 2012

The Den

Draw (0-0)

25 Aug 2009

Upton Park

West Ham (3–1)

21 Nov 2004

Upton Park

Draw (1-1))

21 Mar

The Den

Millwall (4–1)

David Sullivan’s bombshell ahead of Millwall v West Ham

Sullivan will not be there when West Ham make the short trip to the Den to face Millwall this weekend.

The 77-year-old resigned from his position as vice-chairman earlier this year following charges of misbehaviour.

In light of these charges, the West Ham stockholder was asked to avoid attending home games at the London Stadium, although this has not happened.

He was photographed in the stands for the Hammers’ 2-1 loss to Charlton Athletic in August, but has not been seen in recent weeks.

The atmosphere for the match between Millwall and the Irons is expected to be tight, as tempers frequently flare when these two sides meet.

Given that this will be their first meeting in nearly 14 years, it promises to be an extremely memorable occasion.

Sullivan recently raised his interest in West Ham from 38% to 40% following a power struggle between Daniel Kretinsky and Amanda Staveley.

How West Ham fans feel about David Sullivan’s choice.

West Ham fans have been loud in their disapproval of Sullivan during his stint as owner, especially in light of recent claims against him.

David Sullivan’s decision is sensible.

This is West Ham’s most high-profile game of the season, so it stands to reason that the club’s owners will attend.

However, in this case, it is the prudent decision for Sullivan to avoid attending the match, and he should stay away from the team for the foreseeable future.

It has been reported that the Independent Football Regulator has contacted the London club about Sullivan, emphasising the gravity of the allegations.

His presence would risk overshadowing the entire game, something neither West Ham nor Millwall would want.