est Ham’s progress into the Europa Conference League final was marred by horrific scenes in Alkmaar as sections of the travelling support were attacked by home fans at full-time.
Pablo Fornals’ stoppage time goal earned the Irons a 1-0 win on the night and a 3-1 aggregate victory which sees the club into their first major European final since 1976.
Uefa protocol means that travelling teams are given an allocation of corporate tickets within the home stand at matches, rather than in the main away end.
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 here the situation escalated horrendously.
At the full-time whistle, having seen the West Ham entourage’s celebration of the late goal, a group of hardcore supporters from the ultra end of the ground raced around the edge of the playing field to attack the visiting supporters.
West Ham’s players raced to the situation, with many of their family members evidently caught up in the melee, while local police appeared slow to intervene.
More to follow.
