Friday 3 July 2015 11:33, UK
New West Ham boss Slaven Bilic watched his new side ease to victory in their Europa League first qualifying round clash with FC Lusitans - but was then accused of disrespecting the Andorran team.
Diafra Sakho scored twice and James Tomkins headed home to wrap up a 3-0 win for the Hammers, who will now head to Andorra next Thursday all-but guaranteed of advancing into the next qualifying phase.
Bilic, presented to a packed Upton Park before the contest, left academy director Terry Westley in charge as he decided to watch from the stands after he returned from a training camp in Ireland earlier in the day.
The decision not to be involved annoyed Lusitans coach Xavi Roura who was angry with the Croatian for sitting out of the contest.
"Slaven Bilic showed a lack of respect by not being on the bench," he said.
"It does make me sad, in a country where fair play was invented that something like this could happen. I think he must have thought our team was not important for him to be present.
"I imagine that he has won many titles and maybe he thought he was the 'Special One'. The minimum thing I can hope for is that the club like West Ham - this won't happen again.
"I think he is the West Ham coach so I expected him to be on the bench. Slaven Bilic, 'The Special One' should come to Andorra."
Bilic showed a lack of respect by not being on the bench. I think he thought our team was not important for him to be present.
Despite Roura's plea for Bilic to turn up in the principality, Westley - addressing the media as he had in the build-up to the tie - admitted he is likely to be disappointed.
"I wouldn't have thought so, he can't be in two places," Westley said when asked if Bilic would be present for the next leg.
"He shows his respect for the tournament and the game by the group of players we had out on the pitch. Not every manager sits in the dug out.
"The manager has flown back from a training camp, got here this afternoon, spent all afternoon with the players.
"He was in the dressing-room for the team talk. We presented (Lewis) Page and (Reece) Oxford with their debut shirts and the manager and the chairman did the talk.
"They said 'Wear these shirts with pride and some honour. You are following some outstanding players, (Geoff) Hurst, (Bobby) Moore, (Frank) Lampard, (Rio) Ferdinand ... it's time for you to create your legacy.' The manager did that speech. He was very respectful for the game."
