AZ Alkmaar fans set off fireworks outside West Ham’s team hotel at night to disrupt them before their European semi-final decider tonight… but one unlucky supporter is hit by a rocket!
- West Ham play a Europa Conference League semi-final against AZ Alkmaar
- Dutch supporters tried to disrupt the Hammers by setting off fireworks
- Instead, a supporter was hit by a rocket during the incident outside the hotel
AZ Alkmaar supporters were eager to disrupt West Ham’s preparations for the Europa Conference League semi-final by setting off fireworks outside the hotel.
However, footage of the pyrotechnics in Holland has shown one fan hit by a rocket during the colourful and noisy display.
Darkly-dressed fans were seen running around and stumbling while a bright display of fireworks went off in the night sky above the hotel where West Ham arrived earlier in the day.
The Hammers also took part in a training session at the AFAS Stadion in Alkmaar, which holds 19,478 fans.
West Ham lead 2-1 from last week’s first leg in London, although AZ Alkmaar are unbeaten across their past 25 home matches in Europe.
AZ Alkmaar fans set off fireworks outside West Ham’s hotel in Holland on Wednesday night
One supporter was hit by a wayward rocket amid the pyrotechnic display of noise and colour
West Ham arrived in Alkmaar ahead of Thursday’s clash at the AFAS Stadion in Holland
Dutch midfielder Tijjani Reijnders put the visitors in front during the first half at the London Stadium last week.
But David Moyes’ side pulled level through a second-half penalty by Said Benrahma and then went ahead 15 minutes from time via Michail Antonio’s goal.
Moyes was also in charge of the last English team to beat AZ Alkmaar in Holland, leading Everton to a 3-2 victory in the old UEFA Cup in December 2007.
West Ham have only reached two European finals, the last of which was 47 years ago, but a positive result in Holland will see them one game away from claiming their first major honour since 1980.
It is not the only incident involving Dutch sides and explosive devices recently. Ajax’s match at relegated club Groningen this weekend was postponed after black smoke bombs were thrown onto the pitch by home supporters.
