In the Europa Conference League semi-final, West Ham fans were attacked by AZ Alkmaar supporters, tarnishing the club’s progress into the final. David Moyes expresses concern for his family and calls for an investigation, while Pascal Jansen apologizes for the incident. Learn more about the distressing scenes and the aftermath.
The journey of West Ham into the Europa Conference League final was marred by distressing incidents in Alkmaar, as a section of the away supporters was attacked by home fans after the match.
With Pablo Fornals’ goal in stoppage time securing a 1-0 victory on the night and a 3-1 aggregate win for the Irons, West Ham reached their first major European final since 1976.
According to UEFA protocol, visiting teams are allocated corporate tickets within the home stands instead of the main away section. A similar arrangement at the London Stadium last week led to a verbal confrontation between West Ham fans and AZ Alkmaar staff and players’ families, but the situation escalated dramatically this time.
Upon the final whistle, a group of hardcore supporters from the ultra section of the stadium sprinted around the edge of the pitch to assault the visiting fans, prompted by the celebrations of the West Ham contingent. The players swiftly reacted and rushed to the scene, with many of their own family members caught up in the chaos. The local police response appeared sluggish.
West Ham manager David Moyes expressed his concern for his own family and friends and called for an investigation into the incident, hoping it would not overshadow the historic European achievement for his team.
“I can only say that the players were involved because it was the family section, and most of their family and friends were there. That’s probably why they reacted,” Moyes stated.
“Was I worried? Yeah, my family and friends were there in that section. You hope they would find a way to distance themselves from it.
“I didn’t witness it as I had gone onto the pitch. Security wanted to take me inside, but I had to make sure my players weren’t involved.
“We don’t want this incident to tarnish the night because it was definitely not West Ham supporters seeking trouble. Hopefully, it will be thoroughly investigated.”
Pascal Jansen, the London-born manager of Alkmaar, apologized for the trouble and expressed his shame over the incident.
“I feel ashamed that it happened in our stadium. It should never happen. Emotions must be kept under control.”
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