Source: PA
Gold backs Green over gesture
David Gold has defended West Ham goalkeeper Robert Green for the defiant gesture which he aimed towards the press box following the Hammers' 1-0 win over Tottenham on Saturday.
Green pulled off a string of impressive saves to help the east London outfit pick up their first win of the season and move off the foot of the Barclays Premier League table.
The 30-year-old's performance in the win was a marked improvement on the unconvincing efforts between the posts which have cost the Hammers points against Chelsea and Stoke this season. Green came in for strong criticism this summer after making a horrendous gaffe which cost England victory in their World Cup opener against the United States.
Green escaped a fine from the Football Association for the gesture but they have written to the keeper to remind him of his conduct in future matches.
Green's gesture had drawn condemnation from certain quarters but Gold believes his actions were justified.
"I have to say I don't think there was any malice in it whatsoever," said Hammers co-owner Gold. "I think he was just saying: `Didn't I have a good game guys? Look, this is the real Robert Green. I'm back.' I think that was what happened and we ought to allow him to have that moment because that's all that it was."
