What was turning out to be a historic night for West Ham was marred by what, minutes after the final whistle, happened in the stands of AFAS Stadion. David Moyes’s charges beat AZ Alkmaar 1-0 and qualified for the Conference League final. It was then that the ultras of the Dutch team wanted to pay their frustration with the fans Hammer. An important group of hooded men knocked down a gate and entered the stands where the “hospitality” of the visiting team was staying. That is, the couples and relatives of the London staff.
That is why, through a statement, AZ Alkmaar itself wanted to denounce what happened, as well as apologize to the group Hammer: “It became a night to ponder in shame. Not because of the football game played, but because of the behavior of some visitors. Unfortunately, we cannot use the word “fans” to refer to these people. What happened exceeds all limits. The club once again apologizes to West Ham United and to the thousands of AZ supporters who have also been harmed by this misconduct.”
And it is that there were moments of great tension in the stands of the AFAS Stadion. The ultras went up the stairs and began to face off, beating each other up, with several West Ham fans.. It was then that the visiting players themselves came to help their own. Michail Antonio and Flynn Downes jumped over the billboards and headed towards the ultras, also closely followed by Lucas Paquetá and Saïd Benrahma in an attempt to stop the chaos. In the case of the English midfielder, the images show how he had to be held by several members of the staff.
Although the Dutch cadre has reported that “AZ, together with the police, the public prosecutor’s office and the Alkmaar city council, will assess exactly what happened”, UEFA has also begun to investigate the violent scenes that occurred after the West Ham game. “UEFA’s disciplinary body will now review the images and reports from the AFAS Stadium and decide what further action should be taken. A possible disciplinary sanction is foreseen.they say in England.
Full statement from AZ Alkmaar:
“While the whole world was waiting for a historic European match, it turned into a black night due to the events that occurred after the referee’s final whistle. It became a night to ponder in shame. Not because of the football game played, but because of the behavior of some visitors. Unfortunately, we cannot use the word “fans” to refer to these people. What happened exceeds all limits. The club once again sincerely apologizes to West Ham United and to the thousands of AZ supporters who have also been harmed by this misconduct. In the next period, the AZ, together with the police, the prosecutor’s office and the Alkmaar city council, will assess exactly what happened, how it could have happened and what needs to be improved from now on. It is clear that there are things to improve. Part of the assessment is a thorough review of all available footage so that those responsible for this outrageous behavior receive appropriate consequences. AZ is a civilized club where fair play and standards and values are paramount. The club will do everything possible, together with the authorities involved, to identify these people and take the appropriate measures.”