An exhilarating Conference League encounter between West Ham United and AZ Alkmaar descended into chaos last night as tensions boiled over, resulting in a heated brawl between West Ham players and stadium security.
The shocking incident unfolded when AZ fans began harassing the family members of West Ham players in the stands, prompting an explosive response from the protective footballers.
After a decisive victory in the second leg of their UEFA Conference League semi-final, West Ham advanced to their first European final since 1976. Their late winner, scored by Pablo Fornals, took them to the final in Prague next month by a score of 3-1 on aggregate.
According to reports, the AZ supporters broke through a fence and attacked the West Ham contingent, who were seated in a reserved section at the AFAS Stadium. To quell the unrest, players like Michail Antonio, Said Benrahma, Aaron Cresswell, and Flynn Downes jumped over the billboards.
West Ham players clashing with AZ stewards because their families were being harassed by AZ fans in the stands! 🏴👊 pic.twitter.com/7nUFp0lLWX
— Football Fights (@footbalIfights) May 18, 2023
Ten minutes later, peace had been restored after police and stewards arrived to keep the peace.
AZ Alkmaar has issued an apology
The Dutch club has officially issued an apology statement that reads:
“While everyone hoped for a historic European match, it turned into a pitch-black evening due to the events occurring at the referee’s final whistle. It turned into a night to reflect on with shame.”
“Not because of the football game played, but because of the behavior of some attending. Unfortunately, we cannot use the word ‘supporters’ for these people.”
https://twitter.com/FightHaven/status/1659635031642632192
“What happened is beyond all bounds. The club again sincerely apologizes to West Ham and the thousands of well-minded AZ supporters who have also been inconvenienced by the misconduct.”
“In the coming period, AZ will – together with the police, the Public Prosecution Service, and Alkmaar municipality – evaluate exactly what happened, how it could have happened and what needs to be improved from now on. It is clear that things need to be improved.”
“Part of the evaluation is a thorough review of all available footage so that appropriate consequences may follow for those responsible for this outrageous behavior.”
“AZ is a civilized club where sportsmanship, norms, and values are paramount. The club will do everything possible, together with the authorities involved, to identify these persons and to take appropriate measures.”
As of now, no arrests have been made, and the Dutch Police are looking further into the matter.
