A West Ham fan known as ‘Knollsy’ was seen fighting off AZ Alkmaar ultras on Thursday night.
The Hammers had just secured their spot in the Europa Conference League final with a 1-0 win against the Dutch side, but there were unfortunately disturbing scenes in the aftermath.
AZ fans were claimed to be attacking families of West Ham players who watched the victory in the stands.
Hammers stars could be seen trying to defend them as the police and stewards eventually arrived on the scene to intervene.
Amid the shocking scenes, one visiting fan called ‘Knollsy’ has been praised after images showed him defending the family stand.
One fan who witnessed the carnage said: “A bit of context: we were sitting behind Kehrer’s girlfriend.
“Knollsy was worried about her and walked to the top of the stairwell, fending off the storming Alkmaar fans. He’s a lovely bloke and did what he felt was right at the time. He stopped those fans.”
Former Hammers goalkeeper Craig Forrest added: “I don’t condone violence but in this case it was necessary! Protecting the West Ham family section. These cowards would need an army to take down Knollsy. These lads clearly don’t know what the East end is all about. Fack around and found out.”
Knollsy the legend. Stopped the home fans from getting to the players’ families. Give him a ticket for the final @WestHam @WestHamHelp @AwayDays_ #COYI pic.twitter.com/Rs8RhTvU1m
— freddie bonfanti (@freddiebonfa) May 18, 2023
A third said: “Free ticket for the final and free season ticket for life is surely the right thing here.”
Unfortunately for West Ham, their celebrations had quickly turned to concerns as the carnage unfolded at the AFAS Stadion.
Goalkeeper Alphonse Areola also spoke on what happened, saying: “I had family watching the game. We were a bit worried about them, you know?
“Security is the most important thing in a stadiums specially in this kind of event and we were worried about our families.
West Ham fan "Knollsy" protecting the family stand and fending off AZ ultras
— West Ham Central (@WestHam_Central) May 19, 2023
pic.twitter.com/C7XoXlxBBa
“We were very worried about our families. It’s just about security and it was a bit too open for the opposing fans. At the end, they managed to stop them.”
Despite the ugly events that unfolded, West Ham will now be preparing for their first European final in 47 years.
David Moyes’ side face Fiorentina in the Europa Conference League final in Prague next month.
