Joint West Ham United chairman David Sullivan believes Eggert Magnusson’s claim London Stadium is unfit to host football is unfounded.

Speaking to the Sun, Magnusson, who was Hammers chairman for a brief period between 2006 and 2007 and oversaw failed plans to move to the former Olympic Stadium, described the move as a mess.

The 69-year-old believes his approach would have proved more financially viable for the club and helped to prevent the crowd trouble which has been seen at the ground.

In a strongly worded statement on the West Ham website Sullivan refuted the Icelandic Businessman’s claims and also highlighted his questionable tenure at the club.

“I was disappointed to read some irresponsible and, quite frankly, incorrect comments made by Eggert Magnusson in one of the Sunday newspapers,” Sullivan said.

“Mr Magnusson was chairman at the club for a little more than a year between 2006 and 2007 and when he left the club it was saddled with £110m of debt.

“Thankfully, myself and my current board were able to protect the club and ensure its future. Now, Eggert has criticised us for helping to fulfil the legacy of the hugely successful London 2012 Olympic Games.

“Mr Magnusson has not, to my knowledge, visited London Stadium.”

Magnusson’s comments come after a testing bedding in period at United’s new home, which reached a fresh nadir when crowd trouble marred their EFL Cup win over Chelsea.

He believes the renovation of the ground was fundamentally flawed from its outset and claims the only way to resolve the problems West Ham have faced would be to rebuild.

“You cannot build an Olympic stadium and then make it a football stadium. You begin with football in mind. What we have now is a mess, the stadium is unfit for football,” Magnusson said.

“Money has been thrown down the toilet and the original plans could have saved hundreds of millions.

“I don’t think anything can be done now. It’s better for it to be torn down and started from scratch.”

While it would be impossible for Sullivan to ignore the issues West Ham have had at London Stadium, he made it clear the move has also come with its fair share of plus points.

The 67-year-old poured further scorn on Magnusson’s record at West Ham and suggested his failings as chairman damaged the credibility of his opinions.

“The atmosphere at the opening game through to the Chelsea game has been incredible and you have to have been there to experience it,” explained Sullivan.

“We appreciate the stadium is not yet perfect, but we have solved many of the initial issues we faced and are working closely with our fellow stakeholders to find solutions to those which remain outstanding.

“We would therefore politely suggest Mr Magnusson’s views on the stadium carry as much credibility as his short-lived but hugely flawed tenure as chairman of West Ham United.”