Reece James speaks out after video of fan violence circulated on social media before Chelsea draw against West Ham

Reece James has spoken out after a video of a football fan being punched went viral on social media.

Before a ball was kicked in the early kick-off at the London Stadium between West Ham and Chelsea, a video showed one fan allegedly being punched in the face.

Getty

A video has gone viral of alleged fan violence

In what appeared to be outside the ground on the way to the stadium, a fan appeared to have been knocked out.

The footage went viral on social media while a later video showed the same fan being escorted via a wheelchair.

And after the game, James took to social media to denounce the alleged fan violence.

He wrote on a blacked-out background on Instagram: “The news came to my attention that a fan was punched and knocked out before today’s game.

“I completely understand rivalries and the tension between teams in big games, but violence is no answer.

“I hope he’s okay. Appreciate the traveling fans as always.

“Stay with us and stay safe. See you in Dortmund.”

@reecejames

James posted the message on Twitter and Instagram Most read in Football

‘He’s so bad it’s unbelievable’ – Sherwood sacks Pedro Porro for ‘disgusting’ debut

West Ham react to Chelsea tweet as Potter praises Soucek for ‘good save’

Getty

James responded to the video on Twitter

James played the full 90 minutes for Chelsea against West Ham, the first game he has completed since a brutal double injury that ruled him out for nearly three months.

However, the Blues could only manage a 1-1 draw in east London in another disappointing performance under Graham Potter.

Joao Felix scored his first Chelsea goal since moving to the club from Atletico Madrid, but former Blues star Emerson Palmieri grabbed the equaliser.

Getty

Potter came under fire at Chelsea

It is now just two Premier League wins in 13 as the Stamford Bridge outfit continue to struggle despite more than £300m spent in January.

Chelsea now travel to Germany to face Borussia Dortmund in the first round of the Champions League, which they may need to win to play in that competition next year.