West Ham assigns security guard to protect Payet mural

West Ham isn't taking any chances.

Ahead of the team's first match since news broke that Dimitri Payet no longer wants to play for West Ham, the Premier League side has placed a security guard in front of a mural featuring the French midfielder.

The carefully placed security guard has been pictured standing in front of a sign, which features Payet's number, picture, and a reading of the supporters' chant, "We've got Payet. Dimitri Payet. I just don't think you understand. He's Super Slav's man. He's better than Zidane. We've got Dimitri Payet."

In what likely an effort to protect the display from vandalism as fans arrive at the Olympic Stadium ahead of West Ham's match against Crystal Palace Saturday, The Sun understands that the club "strategically placed" the steward in front of the mural.

Unfortunately, vandalizing the sign may be the only way for fans to direct their frustrations towards Payet after his refusal to play for the east London outfit again.

Report: Report: West Ham rejects £19.1-million bid from Marseille for Payet