More trouble pending for the Irons
BBC journalist Simon Stone has suggested that there will be ‘more trouble pending’ for West Ham United after events in the Europa Conference League
This is despite the supporter ban and a fine issued by UEFA a couple of days ago.
The Hammers have been handed an away fan ban for their next two European matches, with the second suspended, along with a fine in excess of £50,000, according to Sky Sports News.
It came due to incidents involving so-called West Ham fans in the Europa Conference League final win over Fiorentina in Prague earlier this month.
Following the ban decision, journalist Stone noted for BBC Sport that “there could be more trouble pending for the Hammers.
He said: “UEFA are still to rule on the clashes that took place between AZ Alkmaar fans and the West Ham contingent at the end of the semi-final in Holland.
“Alkmaar are bound to be punished for the behaviour of their supporters but UEFA tend to take a dim view of players going into the crowd, which is what happened.”
Unfortunately, it was the actions of a few morons which let the entire club down, with a section of Hammers fans throwing objects onto the pitch during the Europa Conference League final.
This was made worse when Fiorentina captain Cristiano Biraghi was struck on the head by one of the objects in the first half of the encounter in the Czech capital.
It’s a real shame, and definitely takes some shine away from the superb victory and the unforgettable night that all those connected with West Ham had earlier this month.
But it may just be the start of the punishments from UEFA, who must use such incidents to set an example and show that they will not tolerate such fan behaviour.
These incidents are seemingly increasing in number in the modern game, with issues like pitch invasions far too common, with authorities needing to put their foot down.
But we really have to put our own house in order first. As we cannot afford another repeat of this nonsense, as we start yet another European adventure.
