WEST HAM’S Europa Conference League clash with AZ descended into chaos at the final whistle.
The Dutch fans reacted angrily to the Hammers’ 1-0 win, which meant David Moyes’ side progressed to the final 3-1 on aggregate.
GettyA group of AZ ultras stormed the hospitality section where the players’ families were seated[/caption]
GettyWest Ham fans and families tried to defend themselves[/caption]
GettyWest Ham stars were involved and clashed with security[/caption]
GettySecurity failed to intervene in defence of the West Ham fans[/caption]
AlamyMasked AZ fans also clashed with Hammers fans before kick-off[/caption]
Masked AZ ultras stormed the hospitality area to attack players’ families, leading West Ham stars to intervene.
Lucas Paqueta, Aaron Cresswell, and Flynn Downes were all involved in the chaos and were held back by security and stewards.
Director of football Mark Noble tried in vain to hold back Michail Antonio, who leapt over advertising hoardings to defend the fans and families.
Members of the Irons coaching staff including Kevin Nolan were seen berating stewards for their failure to intervene.
While captain Declan Rice and Jarrod Bowen were also seen confronting members of the crowd, with the former appearing to throw an object in their direction.
Reacting to the trouble, BT Sport pundit Joe Cole said: “It’s absurd. Grown men attacking the West Ham fans. Players were trying to get involved to break it up.
“AZ Alkmaar fans throwing punches is ridiculous. There were families. Football is for everyone. It’s ridiculous in the modern game. Pathetic.”
His colleague Carlton Cole added: “There was no need for it.
TwitterPlayers were involved in the mayhem as they tried to defend their families and friends[/caption]
TwitterMark Noble tried in vain to hold back Michail Antonio[/caption]
PAThe ultras were later escorted away by police[/caption]
APPablo Fornals scored a late winner to confirm West Ham’s place in the final[/caption]
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“West Ham have come here, done their job and not disrespected them in any shape or form. The families of the players are over there. Sometimes emotions take hold of you.”
Meanwhile on the pitch Moyes, unaware of the chaotic scenes in the stands, began celebrating with the travelling support in the opposite corner of the ground.
The Scot pumped the air with his fists in delight after taking the East London club to the final – a year on from their Europa League semi-final defeat to Eintracht Frankfurt.
There were also clashes between West Ham and AZ fans ahead of kick-off, who again were masked as they caused mayhem on the streets of Alkmaar.
A local news outlet has described a “grim atmosphere” as footie fans in hoodies sparked fights earlier this evening.
In footage shared to social media, one person was captured being horrifically attacked by a group, with one member using what looked like a bicycle as a weapon.
On Twitter, more clips revealed large swarms of fans racing through the streets holding what appears to be chairs.
It is understood West Ham supporters were caught up in the mix when Alkmaar and FC Groningen fans brawled.