AZ Alkmaar have issued a strong statement apologising to West Ham and disowning so-called “fans” behind violent scenes.
West Ham are in their first European final for 47 years.
And fully deserved it is too after the 3-1 aggregate win over Dutch side AZ Alkmaar.
West Ham will play Fiorentina in the Europa Conference League final in Prague on June 7th.
Leading 2-1 from the first leg, West Ham stood firm against AZ Alkmaar in Holland and scored a brilliant late goal through Pablo Fornals to seal another memorable night in the club’s history.
The Spaniard’s run, nutmeg and finish sparked wild celebrations among everyone connected with West Ham.
But it also lit the blue touch paper for some moronic AZ fans who attacked the loved ones of West Ham players and staff in the main stand.
‘Pitch black night’ AZ Alkmaar issue strong statement apologising to West Ham and disowning so-called “fans”
A group of balaclava-clad imbeciles tried to attack the family and friends of West Ham’s players and staff when Fornals put the tie to bed.
They didn’t bank on meeting West Ham man mountain ‘Knollsy’ – pictured at the top of this article – and others who kept the limp AZ attack at bay just as David Moyes’ team had on the pitch.
Joe Cole said it best in commentary when he described grown men dressing up in balaclavas to pull such a stunt as ‘pathetic’.
Brave as lions, West Ham’s players – including the likes of Lucas Paqueta and Michail Antonio and even club ambassador Marlon Harewood – quickly let the AZ posse know the Hammers are not to be trifled with too.
The scenes have become the talking point in the football media after the game which is a shame.
Now AZ Alkmaar have issued a strong statement apologising to West Ham and disowning the so-called “fans” responsible.
The Dutch club described it as a ‘pitch black night’ in their history. And they questioned whether those who tried to attack the family and friends of West Ham’s players and staff can even be called “supporters”.
The AZ statement in full:
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 behaviour of some visitors. Unfortunately, we cannot use the word ‘supporters’ for these people.
What happened is beyond all bounds. The club again sincerely apologises to West Ham United 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, Public Prosecution Service, and Alkmaar’s 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 behaviour.
AZ is a civilised club where sportsmanship and 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.
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