Last Thursday night saw West Ham United qualify for their first European final in 47 years, sparking delirium in one corner of the AZ Alkmaar stadium.
Although it took until injury-time of the second leg of their Europa Conference League semi-final, when Pablo Fornals burst through and fired home, to confirm the Hammers place in the final, the truth is that they were good value for the result.
It’s no wonder that the players, supporters and their families celebrated wildly after the final whistle.
However, in so doing, it appeared to spark the ire of the local ultra supporters who stormed the family area where the West Ham player’s wives, girlfriends and other relatives were sat.
Incredible this, AZ Alkmaar fans storming into the section where the West Ham players families and friends are to attack them.
If this was an English club causing the trouble, they’d be banned from European football for years.pic.twitter.com/luMhzNwDK9
— Football Away Days (@FBAwayDays) May 18, 2023
Once it became clear what was happening, there was a natural reaction from some of the Hammers stars to rush and protect their families.
That action could seemingly have landed them in hot water with the authorities, however.
According to The Telegraph (subscription required), UEFA could be set to ban Arsenal target Declan Rice, Said Benrahma, Flynn Downes and Michail Antonio from European competition because of their actions.
The suggestion is that UEFA may wait until after the final to impose sanctions but if they are going to charge Alkmaar supporters for essentially committing the same act, they’re left with little option to do the same with the players involved.
That’s likely to spark a huge backlash in football circles as it would set a remarkable precedent moving forward and alienate UEFA even more than they currently are.
Çompletley out ov order banning WH players uafa ought to look at themselves. If this happens the whole ov english football should walk away from European competition
As far as I’m aware celebrating a semi final win is a standard behaviour. West Ham fans seems to have done nothing wrong. It wouldn’t be a surprise to find that particular section was targeted because it was where the players families would be. This is worse than an attack on a player much worse. To attacks a man’s family rather than the man is a weak behaviour to cause fear. If UEFA take action against West Ham players the UK should boycott ALL UEFA competitions. I’m an Arsenal fan, some things we have to stand together on and one is protecting a man’s family
After years of witnessing City fans get treated the way they have by UEFA it’s ironic that West Ham are one of the 19 clubs who pushed UEFA and are pushing the premier league to ban City. As they say be careful what you wish for, no sympathy.
That’s not the case at all. Our board have said it’s not for them to make that decision, the matter should be decided by an independent panel. I think you’d agree that’s not exactly calling for your expulsion. Like many other fans we have an affinity with City and I’d like them to win the league because we can’t.
Had to bring City in there face your music and dance 🤔🤔🤔
UEFA are to blame no Police at the game
We’re they expected to stand by and watch their families get attacked?. UEFA need to arrive in the real world, a shambles of a situation brought about by sub standard policing and poor intelligence gathering.
The Players and Club should sue EUAFA for failing to provide a safe environment for them and their supporters! They should be applauding those who stepped in to try and stop what was happening whilst the authorities in charge just stood back and watched.
That would rank among the most ridiculous and bizarre things UEFA would have done if they do indeed come to that point