THIS is the moment violent clashes erupted between West Ham and AZ Alkmaar fans ahead of tonight’s game.
Supporters were seen chasing each other on the streets of Holland as they await the Europa Conference League semi-final decider.
A local news outlet has described a “grim atmosphere” as footie fans in hoodies sparked fights earlier this evening.
In footage shared to social media, one person was captured being horrifically attacked by a group, with one member using what looked like a bicycle as a weapon.
On Twitter, more clips revealed large swarms of fans racing through the streets holding what appears to be chairs.
It is understood West Ham supporters were caught up in the mix when Alkmaar and FC Groningen fans brawled.
This comes after AZ Alkmaar fans attempted to disrupt the semi-final by setting off fire works outside West Ham’s team hotel.
One fan was even hit by a stray rocket, as seen in video clips, and hooded figures fled the area.
West Ham played the first leg of the semi-final at home last Thursday and won 2-1.
The team has reverted to their strongest available line-up for the second leg tonight as they try to reach their first European final in 47 years.
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David Moyes made nine changes from the Premier League defeat by Brentford on Sunday with Declan Rice, Lucas Paqueta and Michail Antonio among those coming back in.
The two teams will play at the AFAS Stadion Stadium, which holds nearly 19,5000 fans – of which around 5,000 are expected to be there for West Ham tonight.
West Ham cult hero Andy Carroll is currently enjoying himself out there for the game, singing with fans near the stadium.
In a clip posted on Twitter, the striker, 34, was seen jumping up and down chanting: “West Ham are massive everywhere we go, West Ham are massive everywhere we go.”
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
