Though it’s taken some months, AZ Alkmaar have finally been punished for the horrendous scenes at the end of the second leg of their Europa Conference League semi-final against West Ham.
The Hammers had given a backs-against-the-wall performance before Pablo Fornals raced through in the final minute to score the goal that sent his team through to the final against Fiorentina.
It was certainly a moment to savour and celebrate, but things soon turned sour after the final whistle as Alkmaar’s ultras infiltrated the area where West Ham players families and friends were.
?? A West Ham fan who goes by the name "Knollsy" stood his ground and defended the family section from AZ Alkmaar's ultras last night…#COYI | #WHUFC pic.twitter.com/BUYdRRbv53
— The Sportsman (@TheSportsman) May 19, 2023
Players were quick to jump in and try to defend their nearest and dearest in what was a shocking development and something that deserved no place at the end of a match that was keenly contested by both sides.
Clearly taking their time before dishing out their punishment, UEFA announced (h/t BBC Sport) on Tuesday that the Dutch side had been fined 80,000 euros (£68,670) for the behaviour of their fans on that May night.
The fine was broken down by the following amounts: £6,115 for throwing of objects, £12,870 for lighting fireworks, £6,867 for blocking public passageways and £42,918 for crowd disturbances and failure to ensure that spectators cannot move from one sector to another.
Were they to qualify for another European competition in 2023/24, one hopes that Alkmaar’s fans will have learned their lesson.