West Ham snub ladies to keep United clash as Upton Park finale

West Ham have cancelled a fixture involving their women's team to ensure the club's Premier League victory over Manchester United will remain the last fixture ever played at Upton Park. The east London outfit had agreed to allow West Ham Ladies to play against an "All-Star" team on June 5, but decided to call off the match after being criticised by a section of the club's supporters. The Hammers are moving to the Olympic Stadium at Stratford in time for next season after 112 years at the Boleyn Ground and their final home match was a dramatic 3-2 win against United on May 10. Many fans felt that memorable encounter, which climaxed with a lengthy post-match celebration in the stadium, was a fitting finale for the famous old venue and the club have bowed to their wishes. "The proposed game between West Ham Ladies and a West Ham 'All Stars' team scheduled for Sunday June 5 has been cancelled," a West Ham statement said. "The club has taken the decision to call off the match in response to direct comments from supporters, a poll conducted on the official website and fan feedback on social media. "West Ham Ladies played under the lights at the Boleyn Ground back in March when they faced Tottenham Ladies and dialogue remains open between West Ham Ladies and the club with regards to the hosting of future fixtures." West Ham Ladies joint-chairman Stephen Hunt hopes another fixture can be arranged once the club move to the Olympic Stadium. "Obviously the Ladies are disappointed, but myself and Jack Sullivan (son of joint-chairman David) will get together over the summer to see what else we can do in the future," he said.