Barbarism in the match AZ Alkmaar-West Ham! Attack on the families of footballers

West Ham’s UEFA Conference League semi-final victory over AZ Alkmaar turned into complete chaos last night as Dutch fans violently attacked.

A group of violent Alkmaar fans, dressed in all-black suits and hoodies to hide their identities, stormed to attack the visitors’ stands at the final whistle of the game.

The fight quickly got out of hand and dozens of hooded hooligans flocked to the family and friends of the West Ham players. Without hesitation, West Ham players Michail Antonio and Flynn Downes made their way to the stands, leaping over billboards, closely followed by teammates Lucas Paquetá and Said Benrahma.

In shocking footage from the stands, West Ham fans fought desperately to prevent Alkmaar supporters from attacking the families, while others confronted the crowds as they ascended the stairs.

SECURITY IS INSUFFICIENT

Just as the violence was about to escalate into a fight, security teams intervened and separated the groups, while other security guards tried to stop the enraged West Ham players.

Meanwhile, an elderly West Ham fan known as ‘Knollsy’ who took action to defend Thilo Kerher’s girlfriend has been raving on social media.

An amateur known as ‘Knollsy’ who fought solo against Alkmaar supporters. Photo: Twitter.

A West Ham fan watching the fight shared a heartfelt message of thanks and support for Knollsy.

‘Let me explain a bit; We were sitting behind Thilo Kerher’s girlfriend. Knollsy, alarmed, climbed to the top of the stairs, resisting the attack of Alkmaar’s followers. He’s a great guy and he did what he thought was right at the time. He stopped the fans.

After the violence broke out, Michail Antonio (center) jumped over billboards.

THE FINAL JOY HAS BEEN CELEBRATED

This message was met with messages of support from other social media users who applauded Knollsy’s actions.

In the end, order was restored and David Moyes’s side were able to head to the away stands to celebrate their 3-1 overall victory with Pablo Fornals’ extra-time goal. With this win, West Ham progressed to the Conference League final.

“WE WERE WORRIED ABOUT OUR FAMILY”

West Ham goalkeeper Alphonse Areola was also among the players who were very worried about their loved ones:

“I had my family watching the game. We were a bit worried about them. Safety is paramount, especially at events like this, and we were concerned for our families.”

He also stated that the players were right to intervene, adding: “We don’t want to see those things when families or fans come to the stadium. They want to enjoy the event and we want to enjoy it with them”.

“I HOPE HE CONTINUES IN UEFA”

After the match, manager David Moyes said:

“I cannot explain what happened and why. The actors got involved because they were in the family section… This was probably the reason for the backlash. I don’t want it to affect tonight negatively because the West Ham fans weren’t looking for trouble. I hope UEFA go after this. My family was there and I had friends in that department. I expected them to try to get away… Because I was so happy I didn’t notice. Security tried to let me in, but I needed to make sure my players weren’t involved.”