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      West Ham stars climb into crowd to break up fights as AZ Alkmaar ‘ultras attack their families’ in ugly scenes

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      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.
      A group of AZ ultras stormed the hospitality section where the players’ families were seatedCredit: Getty
      West Ham fans and families tried to defend themselvesCredit: Getty
      West Ham stars were involved and clashed with securityCredit: Getty
      Security failed to intervene in defence of the West Ham fansCredit: Getty
      Masked AZ fans also clashed with Hammers fans before kick-offCredit: Alamy
      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.
      Players were involved in the mayhem as they tried to defend their families and friendsCredit: Twitter
      Mark Noble tried in vain to hold back Michail AntonioCredit: Twitter
      The ultras were later escorted away by policeCredit: PA
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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.”
      Pablo Fornals scored a late winner to confirm West Ham’s place in the finalCredit: AP
      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. More

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      AZ Alkmaar 0 West Ham 1 (1-3): Fornals’ late strike ensures Hammers go through to first major European final in 47 years

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      A GOAL that will last a lifetime in the hearts of West Ham fans.At the end of what was a gritty, ballsy, nerve-wracking, heroic and at times dull and tedious, backs-to-the-wall Moyes-ball display in Alkmaar, Pablo Fornals broke free and found the bottom corner.
      Pablo Fornals scored deep into injury time to send West Ham into the Europa Conference League finalCredit: Rex
      The Hammers players celebrated in front of their travelling fansCredit: Getty
      There were jubilant scenes in the away endCredit: Getty
      It sparked delirium in the away end. David Moyes and the rest of the visiting dug-out sprinted onto the pitch and danced and jived.
      Ugly scenes followed. A group of Hammers supporters behind that dug-out – including family members of the players – were attacked by a large group of AZ Alkmaar ultras.
      Riot police entered. Said Benrahma and Flynn Downes tried to climb over the hoardings to try and protect their own in what, briefly, were frightening times.
      Thankfully, the situation was defused quickly, as Rice ushered his heroic team-mates over towards the more heavily populated end of travelling fans for a sing and a jolly.
      Nothing was going to take this moment away from them. West Ham are in a European final.
      Last season’s Europa League semi-final heartbreak against Eintracht Frankfurt was as thrilling and dramatic as they come.
      Red cards, accusations of corruption, ball boys being used for target practice, all at West Ham’s expense as dreams were crushed and hopes dashed.
      Moyes insisted they would lick their wounds and learn their lessons. Twelve months on, in the Europa Conference League, they have finally avenged those painful memories.
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      The European Cup Winners’ Cup final days far back in the club’s tattered history books have been desperately clung to for some time.
      In 1965, Bobby Moore lifted that title. In 1976, Sir Trevor Brooking came agonisingly close.
      On June 7, 2023, Declan Rice has the opportunity to etch his own name into that book. Now all that is left is to finish the job in style.
      Moyes unashamedly sacked off their weekend loss at Brentford by resting the majority of his key stars with Premier League survival all but secured.
      His strongest XI were well rested for the trip across the North Sea, only for a rude 2am awakening on the day of this clash following a trademark piece of Euro tomfoolery.

      Alkmaar fans let off a cluster of fireworks outside the Hammers hotel in the hope it would ultimately be the difference against a nemesis of an opponent in Moyes.
      The Scot led Everton to a 3-2 Uefa Cup victory here back in 2007, ending the Dutch side’s 32-game and 30-year unbeaten home run in European competitions going back to 1977.
      Since then, at a fortress of a ground surrounded by a moat, Alkmaar have never lost here to an English team, and headed into this clash unbeaten in their last 25 home Euro outings.
      It is why scenes before kick-off at the AFAS Stadion were ones of pure continental delirium, techno trance blasting from the speakers with flares and smoke aplenty in the stands.
      This home support were hoping to witness their side reaching only a second major European final in their history – the last coming back in 1981 only to lose to Ipswich Town.
      Michail Antonio was at the thick of the funCredit: Reuters
      Mark Noble was in tears on the pitch after the full-time whistleCredit: Alamy
      In response, the Alkmaar players started brightly, in the only way they know how under 50-year-old London-born coach Pascal Jansen – ultimate possession-centric football.
      In the first leg, Alkmaar enjoyed over 60 per cent of the ball for large parts only to be let down by a lack of cutting edge – as well as conceding a barmy second-half penalty.
      There were early feelings of déjà vu as West Ham sat back and soaked it all up. Perhaps for the first time in this competition, they were in no rush to go toe-for-toe.
      This was evidenced by Alphonse Areola in the 11th minute. The French keeper was given a telling off for time-wasting from a goal kick.
      West Ham were dropping worryingly deep. Jarrod Bowen at several points was at right back. Moyes remained calm, knowing the counter was where his boys could hit back.
      Having scuppered two chances to do so, Lucas Paqueta almost executed perfectly on the third attempt, cutting inside and curling a shot on to the base of the post.
      The hosts were beginning to get frustrated, yet their obsessive patience was slowly paying dividends as Vangelis Pavlidis sparked a move down the left.
      A scuffed cross trickled past the six-yard box. Nayef Aguerd was then dutifully on hand to block Yukinari Sugawara’s subsequent shot.
      Fornals let out all the emotions after his strikeCredit: Getty
      West Ham knew a draw in Holland would be enoughCredit: Reuters
      There was no injury time at the end of the first half. Just as well for Jansen, who clearly used the extra time to rev up his side and encourage them to take the handbrake off.
      They did just that from the get-go. Milos Kerkez darted into the box but his dangerous cross failed to find a teammate before Sven Mijnans forced Areola into a smart stop.
      The chances kept coming. West Ham were living life on the edge, and Aguerd’s heart was in his throat after bringing down Pavlidis in the box. It looked stonewall, but not to VAR.
      The bombardment was briefly interrupted by Rice’s long-range attempt being palmed away by Mat Ryan. In response, Pantelis Hatzidiakos stung the hands of Areola.
      Moyes was agitated. This time last year he watched his men unravel emotionally on a night to forget. This time around, they remained in control but were flirting with the devil.
      Heads were in hands in the visitors’ dug-out as Bowen and Aguerd fluffed chances to end Alkmaar’s hopes of a comeback once and for all.
      The nerves were kicking in. An overhit cross saw Thilo Kehrer flick the ball towards his own goal as Areola scrambled to clear it off his line.

      Rice adjusted his captain’s armband and rallied the troops with a fist-bump. They were so close they could taste it before Fornals stormed forward and clinched it.
      Let’s say it again. West Ham are in a European final.
      Declan Rice will lead his West Ham side out in a European finalCredit: Rex
      David Moyes roared his men on from the sidelinesCredit: PA
      AZ Alkmaar goalkeeper Mat Ryan punches clear to safetyCredit: Rex
      It was a nervy end for the travelling Hammers fans before the late goalCredit: Getty More

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      Moment clashes erupt between West Ham & AZ Alkmaar fans ahead of tense Europa Conference League semi-final decider

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      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.
      On Twitter, more clips revealed large swarms of fans racing through the streets holding what appears to be chairsCredit: Twitter/ElijahKyama
      Huge groups were seen running through the streetsCredit: Twitter/VoetbalUltras
      One group member appeared to use what looked like a bicycle as a weaponCredit: Twitter/VoetbalUltras
      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.”
      This comes after AZ Alkmaar fans attempted to disrupt the semi-final by setting off fire works outside West Ham’s team hotelCredit: Twitter/VoetbalUltras
      Andy Carroll pictured on the beers with West Ham fans in Holland ahead of the huge European semi-final clashCredit: Twitter/vinnywhufc
      West Ham played the first leg of the semi-final at home last Thursday and won 2-1Credit: PA
      West Ham United fans in the city ahead of the UEFA Europa Conference League semi-final at the AFAS Stadium, AlkmaarCredit: PA
      A local news outlet has described a ‘grim atmosphere’ as footie fans in hoodies sparked fights earlier this eveningCredit: PA
      The team have reverted to their strongest available line-up for the second leg tonightCredit: PA More

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      You’ve been saying AZ Alkmaar’s name all wrong for years and the reason is pretty obvious

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      FANS have been getting the name of AZ Alkmaar wrong and the reason could not be more obvious.The Dutch side are in the semi-final of the Conference League against West Ham.
      Everyone has been saying AZ Alkmaar’s name wrongCredit: Getty
      The Hammers won the first leg 2-1 and will take a lead to the city just north of Amsterdam this Thursday, hoping to secure a place in the final.
      But fans have been saying the club’s name incorrectly.
      This is because the “A” actually stands for Alkmaar, so we have been perhaps stupidly saying it twice.
      Meanwhile, the “Z” means Zaanstreek.
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      Their name comes from the merger of two clubs, Alkmaar ’54 and FC Zaanstreek.
      The two joined forces in 1967 as chiefs wanted to create a powerful team in the Zaan and Alkmaar region.
      AZ, as we will now call them, are two-time winners of the Eredivisie and four-time domestic cup winners.
      They came runners-up in the Uefa Cup, now Europa League, in 1981.
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      In their current squad, they have ex-Premier League stars Mat Ryan, Jordy Clasie and Bruno Martins Indi.
      They also boast top young talent like Jesper Karlsson and Milos Kerkez, who have been linked with moves to England.
      AZ currently sit fourth in the table and will meet either Italian side Fiorentina or Swiss outfit FC Basel in the Conference League final in Prague if they can overturn West Ham’s lead. More

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      West Ham fans accused of confronting families of AZ Alkmaar manager and players leaving them ‘shocked’

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      A GROUP of West Ham fans have been accused of confronting the families of AZ Alkmaar players and staff.The Hammers hosted the Dutch side in the first leg of their Europa Conference League semi-final on Thursday night.
      The families of AZ Alkmaar general manager Robert Eenhoorn, left, and manager Pascal Jansen, right, were allegedly confronted by West Ham fansCredit: Rex
      The relatives of AZ’s players, manager, coaches and board members were seated in the home main stand of the London Stadium – and not with their team’s fans in the away section.
      It is reported by De Telegraaf that the guests included the wife of the club’s general manager Robert Eenhoorn, the girlfriend and two children of manager Pascal Jansen as well as a number of family members of the players.
      However, Eenhoorn alleges some West Ham supporters were unhappy they were seated in the section for the Hammers and allegedly confronted them, apparently leaving the visitors frightened for their safety.
      It is understood the altercation was triggered by AZ Alkmaar’s goal, which put them 1-0 up on 41 minutes.
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      The general manager adds the families had to be rescued and moved to a different area of the stadium.
      Eenhoorn claimed to have seen the alleged shocking scenes unfold and rushed to provide aid.
      He said: “They were then taken to another place, high in the stadium. 
      “But there were the most dangerous supporters of West Ham about. 
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      “As a result, I hardly got anything from the match, I was only concerned with the safety of our people.”
      Eenhoorn told manager Jansen what had happened when they met after full-time.
      Jansen added: “He reassured me because my children and girlfriend were in the business. 
      “I just spoke to them, but everything is fine now. There was some consternation after our goal. 
      “They were shocked, but they are now safe and in good condition on the bus.”
      West Ham are aware of the situation but declined to comment when contacted by SunSport.
      On the pitch, Said Benrahma’s penalty midway through the second half cancelled out Tijjani Reijnders’ long-range opener – which had seen one witty AZ fan celebrate wildly in a Millwall shirt.
      Michail Antonio then gave West Ham the advantage going into next week’s second leg, though.
      The Jamaican bundled in with 15 minutes to go to complete the turnaround and secure a 2-1 win in East London.
      The reported altercation took place after AZ Alkmaar took the leadCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun More

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      West Ham 2 AZ Alkmaar 1: Hammers take slender lead to Holland as Antonio gives Moyes’ men unconvincing win

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      MAYBE this West Ham lot have learned their lessons?Déjà vu seeped into the London Stadium like an unwanted guest at an East London house party after AZ Alkmaar – a team full of ballsy Dutch kids – opened the scoring.
      Said Benrahma drew West Ham level from the spotCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun
      Benrahma scored after ex-Arsenal and Brighton goalkeeper Matt Ryan fouled Jarrod Bowen in the boxCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun
      Michail Antonio then poked the Hammers in frontCredit: Getty
      Tijjani Reijnders’ strike just before the break brought back unwelcome memories of last season’s Europa League semi-final heartbreak against Eintracht Frankfurt.
      Back then, Frankfurt also took the lead at the London Stadium before fleeing back to Germany with a 2-1 win.
      The rest is history you dare not repeat in these parts.
      Dreams of a first European final since 1976 and a first piece of silverware for West Ham since 1980 were chewed up, spat out and trampled upon in the second leg.
      It took boss David Moyes and his battered boys a while to get over it, only to be staring those fears square in the face yet again just over 12 months later.
      Only this time, Moyes watched his gutsy side churn out a comeback that had all the hallmarks of a squad battle-hardened and experienced.
      Alkmaar keeper Maty Ryan’s knock-out punch of Jarrod Bowen while coming for a cross gave Said Benrahma the chance to level from the spot in the 67th minute.
      It will be no surprise that, with Eurovision around the corner, the shot-stopper from Australia should receive a ‘nil-point’ rollocking from his London-born boss Pascal Jansen.
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      And within a frenzied eight minutes, West Ham were ahead – Michail Antonio bundling home in the ugliest but most satisfying way possible.
      Unlike last season, when they had to go to Frankfurt needing a result only to see red cards, accusations of corruption and balls kicked at ball-boys spoil their night, the return leg to Holland requires a far simpler approach – Do. Not. Lose.
      Benrahma emphatically found the corner from the spotCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun
      Antonio converts from close range to make it advantage West Ham going into next week’s return legCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun
      Do that, and a final in Prague is within their reach – just do not expect it to come easy.
      Nothing ever does for this club, just ask their pained fanbase.
      Moyes had played mind games in the build-up by suggesting the return of Kurt Zouma after a troublesome ankle injury would come too soon, but there he was in the heart of defence.
      Other than Alphonse Areola taking his place as West Ham’s cup keeper ahead of No.1 Lukasz Fabianski, the side was unchanged from the weekend’s impressive 1-0 win over Manchester United.
      Jansen was at the London Stadium for that one, but it appeared to have no impact on his young team’s approach – death by a thousand passes.
      By the half hour mark, the visitors had racked up 63 per cent possession without seriously testing the palms of Areola.
      West Ham meanwhile were enjoying the freedom to play like the away side early on.
      Blistering and aggressive counter attacks down the wings were causing Alkmaar problems, but the first chance came about via a rare misplaced pass at the back.
      Declan Rice’s looped cross was ballooned over by the head of Jarrod Bowen before the winger wasted another opportunity after Antonio drove from deep.
      Benrahma appeared in better shooting fettle, almost finding the bottom corner with a curling effort that was superbly tipped past the post by Ryan.
      The half was beginning to peter out until a moment of controversy gave Alkmaar their first opportunity to produce a counter of their own, finishing emphatically.
      Lucas Paqueta crumpled to the floor following what looked like a clear push in the back by defender Sam Beukema.
      In the sixteen seconds that followed, Alkmaar stormed down the left, cut inside and Reijnders could not believe how much space and time he had to pick his shot.
      He did, with the help of some questionable keeping by Areola as the ball fizzed through the Frenchman’s gloves and into his bottom right corner.
      Moyes paced his technical area with his arms spread in a rage.
      Another dodgy VAR call, or lack of one, had gone against his boys yet again this season.
      The sense of injustice spilled over into the second half.
      Alkmaar were prepared to take timewasting to a new level whenever humanly possible.
      That was until Ryan decided to take matters into his own hands, quite literally.
      Paqueta’s cross was met by Tomas Soucek’s flick-on and Bowen took a smack for his troubles.
      Benrahma celebrated his spot-kick by the corner flag as Moyes urged his players back to nick the winner.
      They did just that in the 75th minute.

      Nayef Aguerd’s header was cleared off the line from a messy corner and Antonio finished it off.
      Work to be done, but advantage, for once, is Claret and Blue.
      Tijjani Reijnders initially scored to put AZ Alkmaar aheadCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun More

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      Fans banned from crunch European clash over ‘threats to national security’ as club reveal they’re ‘furious’ at decision

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      FC BASEL have issued a furious statement after their fans were BANNED from attending their Europa Conference League clash at Nice on Thursday.The sides drew 2-2 in last week’s first leg in Switzerland, with fans well behaved and travelling Nice supporters experiencing little trouble.
      FC Basel drew 2-2 with OGC Nice in last week’s first legCredit: AFP
      After a series of meetings with authorities described as “unstructured” by Basel, the decision has been made to prohibit away fans from attending tomorrow night’s game.
      The reason has been described as a “national security issue” – with strikes planned for tomorrow in Nice.
      On this particular reasoning, Basel wrote in an official club statement: “The fact that France is regularly affected by strikes is nothing new; it was already a fact on the day of the draw and cannot be FC Basel’s problem.
      “In various past (international) games, this fact has not led to the exclusion of guest fans. The city of Basel and FCB welcomed the fans from Nice with open arms, enabling the French team to support their fans at the Joggeli.
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      “We are also demanding the same rights from the French authorities and the OGC Nice for tomorrow, Thursday – and thus the immediate lifting of the ban on FCB fans in Nice!
      “In its charter, FC Basel 1893 condemns the blanket criminalisation of football fans – but that is exactly what the French authorities are doing in this case.
      “Our charter also states that FCB conducts an open dialogue with authorities, associations, clubs and fans. In the present case, this dialogue did not exist from the start.”
      Basel also revealed that the match has been categorised as a “high-risk fixture” – despite the two teams having no rivalry.
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      They added: “FC Basel 1893 is furious and extremely disappointed with the unacceptable course of action and the decision by the French authorities not to allow FCB fans into the second leg of the quarter-finals in Nice.
      “After the first large, very unstructured telephone conference among all those involved on Maundy Thursday, the southern French prefecture sent FC Basel a list of strict conditions under which the Basel fans may travel to the away game in Nice. FCB communicated this information accordingly and started ticket sales.
      “The day after this communication, the Conference League first leg between FCB and OGC Nice was played in Basel – the Nice fans were warmly welcomed both in the city and in the stadium without incident and it remained relatively peaceful.
      ‘UNACCEPTABLE IGNORANCE AND ARROGANCE’
      “Another day later, on April 14, 2023, a large video conference took place in which the Nice authorities, Uefa, representatives of OGC Nice and FCB, including fan work, took part.
      “In this exchange, the representatives of FC Basel met with unacceptable ignorance and arrogance on the part of the authorities.”
      Basel have contacted lawyers as they explore “legal remedies” to the issue.
      They have also consulted Football Supporters Europe – a respected organisation that campaigns for the rights of fans.
      Basel have also confirmed that if their fans remain barred from the game, they will offer “the best possible support in clarifying claims for reimbursement of travel expenses”. More

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      Brit West Ham fan, 57, killed after being hit by train in Belgium following 1-1 Conference League draw with Gent

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      A WEST Ham fan has died in Belgium following a football match after being struck by a train.The Hammers supporter, 57, was in the Belgian city of Ghent for Thursday night’s UEFA Conference League clash when he died.
      A West Ham fan has died after being hit by a train in BelgiumCredit: Alamy
      He was killed at Gent’s Sint-Pieters station after Thursday’s clashCredit: Alamy
      He had been at the KAA Stadium to watch David Moyes’ side earn a 1-1 Conference League draw on Thursday evening.
      But he was later involved in a fatal collision with a train at Gent’s Sint-Pieters station.
      Emergency services raced to the scene and transported the victim to a hospital in the city.
      However, the British citizen was later pronounced dead by doctors.
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      The prosecutor’s office in East Flanders described the tragedy as an “unfortunate accident”.
      Train services in the area were disrupted for hours before returning to normal around 3am on Friday.
      Danny Ings had given West Ham the lead in first-half added time.
      But Hugo Cuypers leveled on 56 minutes to leave the quarter-final tie evenly poised going into next Thursday’s return at the London Stadium.
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