West Ham players clashed with AZ fans after reaching the Europa Conference League final
West Ham’s players clashed with AZ Alkmaar supporters moments after securing their place in the Europa Conference League final on Thursday evening.
Pablo Fornals’ injury-time goal sealed a 1-0 win for David Moyes’ side, who will play either Fiorentina or Basel in the final at the Eden Arena in Prague on June 7.
But following the full-time whistle, West Ham’s players immediately rushed over to the dugout where AZ’s supporters had begun attacking rival fans sat in the hospitality section.
Former West Ham midfielder Joe Cole, who was working pitchside for BT Sport, said: ‘It’s absurd. Grown men attacking the West Ham fans. Players were trying to get involved to break it up.
‘AZ Alkmaar fans throwing punches is ridiculous. There were families. Football is for everyone. It’s ridiculous in the modern game. Pathetic.’
Former West Ham striker Carlton Cole, who was also working as a pundit for the game, added: ‘There was no need for it.
‘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.’
More to follow…
For more stories like this, check our sport page.
Follow Metro Sport for the latest news on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
AZ fans wearing balaclavas attacked West Ham’s supporters after the final whistle.
