West Ham United got off on the wrong foot with local football fans after unwittingly taking a jab at Floriana FC on Facebook.

The team uploaded a photo album of their players’ arrival at Malta International Airport, taking selfies with fans or just taking in the sun on the apron. However, the album was uploaded with a location tag seemingly created by a group of football fans eager to take a dig at Floriana FC.

The expletive against Floriana was quickly removed, but not before it was shared several times on social media. '

Screen shots of the post are still making the rounds.

Most Maltese online commentators saw the funny side of the status, while pointing out what it really meant, but Floriana vice president Matt Paris was fuming.

“It’s shameful,” he wrote, “that an English premier league club engaged in this sort of attitude. West Ham United shame on you.”

Floriana mayor Davinia Sammut Hili condemned the message but acknowledged that the club had rectified its mistake.

She hoped for a nice atmosphere and a good game at Ta’Qali tomorrow.

She wished both teams, especially Birkirkara, good luck.

Expectations for tomorrow's match are high. Last week, Birkirkara lost 1-0 in the dying moments of the match after putting up a spirited performance at the Boleyn Ground to leave their fans hopeful for the return match.