Kretinsky plays it cool after being caught on camera in West Ham crowd

Czech billionaire Daniel Kretinsky plays it cool after being caught on camera in the crowd for West Ham United’s famous win over Liverpool.

Kretinsky is reported to be on the verge of buying a 27 per cent stake in upwardly mobile West Ham (Sky News).

The “Czech Sphinx” is worth in excess of £4 billion – four times the reported worth of Hammers co-owners David Sullivan and David Gold.

And Kretinsky – who owns Sparta Prague and has large stakes in Royal Mail and Sainsbury’s – also stands to potentially inherit and operate the £15 billion empire of his partner’s late father.

So the fact he is set to invest in West Ham is the source of serious excitement among Hammers fans.

There had been speculation the deal would be announced after the Liverpool game.

And that appears to have some legs after Kretinsky was caught on camera at the London Stadium watching West Ham leapfrog Jurgen Klopp’s Reds up into third place with a memorable 3-2 victory.

Just before West Ham made it 2-1 through Pablo Fornals in the second half, the Sky Sports cameras cut to the crowd showing the bespectacled Kretinsky in a black baseball cap and overcoat smiling and watching on with a family member or friend.

The director’s box seats are furnished with a mini TV and when the man accompanying Kretinsky at the game spots them on the mini screen he rather unsubtly taps him on the leg to point out the fact.

Czech billionaire Daniel Kretinsky plays it cool after being caught on camera in the crowd for West Ham win over Liverpool

But Kretinsky plays it cool and merely nods without wishing to draw attention to the fact he’s just spotted the cameras are trained on him.

According to West Ham insiders Claret and Hugh – who have strong links with Sullivan and Gold – lawyers were thrashing out the deal over the last few days with a view to expediting the Czech’s investment plans.

Let’s hope there are some exciting times ahead.

More West Ham news:

Klueless Klassless Klopp undoes all his goodwill with West Ham moan up.

Sinclair says ref ignored new Prem rule for Liverpool goal vs West Ham.

Moyes gives it back to Moose and co with both barrels over fan attack.