WEST HAM’S Europa Conference League clash with AZ descended into chaos at the final whistle.
The Dutch fans reacted angrily to the Hammers’ 1-0 win, which meant David Moyes’ side progressed to the final 3-1 on aggregate.
Pablo Fornals’ 94th minute strike sealed the victory, sparking AZ Alkmaar hooligans to attack a group of travelling friends and family of the Hammers’ players and coaching staff sat behind the dugout.
Several West Ham players, including sporting director Mark Noble, rushed to help protect them from the thugs – who were dressed in black and wearing balaclavas.
Alkmaar fans were also caught up in the violence.
Lucas Paqueta, Aaron Cresswell, and Flynn Downes were all involved in the chaos and were held back by security and stewards.
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Director of football Noble tried in vain to restrain Michail Antonio, who leapt over advertising hoardings to defend the fans and families.
Members of the Irons coaching staff including Kevin Nolan were seen berating stewards for their failure to intervene.
While captain Declan Rice and Jarrod Bowen were also seen confronting members of the crowd, with the former appearing to throw an object in their direction.
Reacting to the trouble, BT Sport pundit Joe Cole said: “It’s absurd. Grown men attacking the West Ham fans. Players were trying to get involved to break it up.
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“AZ Alkmaar fans throwing punches is ridiculous. There were families. Football is for everyone. It’s ridiculous in the modern game. Pathetic.
“We had friends in there. Ban them for life.”
His colleague Carlton Cole added: “There was no need for it.
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“West Ham have come here, done their job and not disrespected them in any shape or form. The families of the players are over there. Sometimes emotions take hold of you.”
London-born Alkmaar boss Pascal Jansen admitted he was “ashamed” of the ugly scenes, while Moyes’ elderly father was also caught up in the mayhem.
Moyes said: “I can’t explain what happened and why it happened. The players were involved because it was the family section. That was probably the reason for the reaction.
“I don’t want that in any way to blight the night because the West Ham fans weren’t looking for trouble. Hopefully they’ll look into it.
“My family were there and I had friends in that section. You’re hoping they would try and get themselves away from it. I didn’t recognise it because I was too happy.
“Security wanted to take me inside but I had to make sure my players weren’t involved.”
In last week’s first leg at the London Stadium, members of Jansen’s family were moved from their seats behind the away dugout after a verbal confrontation with West Ham fans.
Jansen added: “What happened last week was very unfortunate, but I feel a bit ashamed it happened in our stadium.
“It should not be happening. You have to stay in control of your emotions.”
Meanwhile on the pitch Moyes, unaware of the chaotic scenes in the stands, began celebrating with the travelling support in the opposite corner of the ground.
The Scot pumped the air with his fists in delight after taking the East London club to the final – a year on from their Europa League semi-final defeat to Eintracht Frankfurt.
There were also clashes between West Ham and AZ fans ahead of kick-off, who again were masked as they caused mayhem on the streets of Alkmaar.
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.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
