Hammers mixing quality with fair play

It's not only the top half of the Premiership table that West Ham United are making an impact on this season - we are also flying high in the official Fair Play table.

With just 35 yellow cards and not a single red one up to the end of February 2006, Hammers currently sit fourth in the table, which is compiled from marks awarded by The FA Premier League Match Delegates.

However, it isn't only the collection of red and yellow cards that contributes towards a team's placing in the table. Marks are also awarded on positive play, respect towards opponents, respect towards the referee and the behaviour of club officials.

Charlton Athletic currently top the table, with an overall average score of 8.57 per game, while Chelsea and Wigan sit joint second with a score of 8.51, closely followed by Hammers, whose average score reads 8.44.

What's more, we are also placed fourth in the table for Best Behaved supporters. Marks out of 10 are awarded when taking into account the general behaviour of a team's fans, with the claret and blue faithful earning a highly impressive average mark of 8.85 up to the end of February.

Prize money of £30,000 is awarded to the club finishing the Season at the top of the Fair Play League, with £20,000 going to the club whose supporters are deemed to be the best behaved.

Barclays Premiership Fair Play Table 2005-06 (Top six)

Matches up to and including Sunday, February 26, 2006

Key:
R/Y = Red & Yellow Cards - Maximum 10 pts per Match (Red 3 pts, Yellow 1 pt)
P/P = Positive Play - Maximum 10 pts per Match
R/O = Respect Towards Opponent - Maximum 7 pts per Match
R/R = Respect Towards Referee - Maximum 7 pts per Match
B/O = Behaviour of Officials - Maximum 6 pts per Match

Best Behaved supporters 2005-06 (Top six)

Matches up to and including Sunday, February 26, 2006

Key:
Points = Behaviour of the Public - Maximum 10 pts per Match