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Sporting Lisbon president fuels war of words calling West Ham owners 'the D---- Brothers'
The war of words between West Ham co-chairman David Sullivan and Sporting Lisbon has escalated after the Portuguese club's president branded Sullivan and co-owner David Gold "the Dildo Brothers".
Sporting director Nuno Saraiva last week angrily refuted Sullivan's claims that midfielder William Carvalho had been offered to West Ham on transfer deadline day, labelling him "a liar" and "a parasite" in a post on his Facebook page.
Sullivan responded by calling Saraiva’s allegations "nonsense", also confirming that he would be taking legal action. West Ham also claimed they had proof of a bid worth £23m being made.
Sporting president Bruno de Carvalho has now hit back again in comments made to Sporting TV, taking aim at Sullivan while referencing the fact the West Ham owner made his fortune in the adult entertainment industry.
"Instead of spouting off, West Ham's offer should be shown. Where is it? What proof is there,” De Carvalho is reported as saying by Portuguese sports newspaper Record.
"What has happened here? The chairman [Sullivan] is very happy with the coach [Slaven Bilic], who was the person who wanted William. The man wanted to give the coach the player he wanted as much as I want to give a Christmas gift to my enemy. I did not want to give you anything!
“West Ham supporters call Mr David Sullivan and his brother the Dildo Brothers.” It is presumed this comment was aimed at fellow West Ham chairman Gold, who is not related to Sullivan, but has long been his business partner.
Saraiva had last week branded Sullivan's initial claims little more than "intellectual pornography".
De Carvalho recounted his version of events on transfer deadline day, when William Carvalho's father had turned up at the club with the “promise” of two offers for his son.
"William's father came in all excited and said we would get two proposals.
“Because we were already tired – there were 12 of us at the club - we called the lawyer and asked if any offers had come in. He said 'if you are tired, it is best to go home because in my opinion no proposal will come'".
Carvalho had been linked with a move to West Ham for much of the summer but no deal materialised.
West Ham were asked for their response but declined to comment.