This talk discussed the impact of the demise of the British empire upon identities within the UK in the narrow majority for the Leave campaign in the 2016 UK referendum on EU membership. A comparative dimension was also pursued, with analysis of the Roman empire - which inspired many aspects of British imperialism - shedding further light on the politics of identity in colonial and post-colonial contexts.

The investigation looks at the topics of; stadia redevelopment; contractual landscapes in regeneration; concepts on being at home; the commercialisation of football and community displacement In doing so, this paper begins to elucidate the perspectives of a community who's experience reveals a clash between the values of commerce, communities, legacy and dividend. The 2012 Olympic legacy promises emphasised the long term use of infrastructure and in March 2013, 'E20 Stadium LLP' confirmed that West Ham United Football Club would be the London Stadium's long-term concessionaire. The relocation to the London Stadium was the catalyst for supporter resentment. many opposed the move on the grounds that the decision to move co-opted the identity of the club for commercial gain. There was scant democratic consultation and supporters failed to see tangible benefits materialise at the London Stadium. Negative sentiment peaked on 10 March 2018, with a riot erupting at the London Stadium which was targeted at the clubs owners. This research begins to elucidate the perspectives of those who experience the post-Olympic environment, by posing the question: Why was there a backlash to the move to the London Stadium from the supporters of West Ham United Football Club?