ESPNsoccernet: null

West Ham United have become the first Premier League club to feature in hit animated sitcom The Simpsons.

West Ham's colours are changed to green and gold in the episode (PA Photos)

• Brewin: The price of progress
• Fans to have say on stadium

The show has featured former Brazil striker Ronaldo and mentioned Manchester United veteran Ryan Giggs over the course of its 23-year run, but the Hammers are believed to be the first club to be referenced in the show.

In episode seven of the current season - the show's 24th - Bart and Lisa Simpson go to visit their next-door neighbour, T-Rex.

In his bedroom hangs a large banner bearing the club's name and their famous crest. However, instead of the iconic claret and blue with which the East London club is usually associated, the banner is green and yellow.

The reference was gleefully reported by the Premier League, which said via its official Twitter account: "West Ham United were delighted to be featured in The Simpsons' episode 'The Day The Earth Stood Cool'!"