AZ Alkmaar condemn supporters who attacked West Ham fans
The AZ Alkmaar coach and players expressed their disapproval towards certain members of their fan base who assaulted the loved ones and acquaintances of the West Ham United team while they were celebrating their victory in the Europa Conference League semi-final on Thursday.
The fans who were supporting the home team managed to breach a fence and assaulted the West Ham fans who were sitting in a designated area located behind their team’s dugout at the AZ Stadium.
During a fight, West Ham players, including their captain Declan Rice, tried to stop it and even went to help their family members. The Dutch police stated that they have not arrested anyone yet, but they will examine the footage to determine if any criminal activity occurred that would require an arrest. Additionally, there were other incidents that took place outside the stadium, including near Alkmaar’s train station, according to the police.
“It’s annoying, it doesn’t belong in our stadium. Preferably in no stadium,” said coach Pascal Jansen, whose side lost 1-0 on Thursday as West Ham completed a 3-1 aggregate triumph to reach the final against Fiorentina in Prague on June 7.
“I feel shame. You have to control your emotions, even on a night with a defeat.”
Several AZ players, including Pantelis Hatzidiakos, expressed their opposition to the violence in interviews after the match.
“I think it’s sad what happened. My family was up there. I have been in contact with them and my girlfriend said they were shaking,” he told Dutch television.
“I don’t even call them supporters. Just stay home if you have such intentions.”
“Such a beautiful evening, such a great atmosphere, I really enjoyed it until the final whistle. What happened after that, I find very sad and a pity.”
The police and stewards arrived promptly to avoid any more conflict, and within 10 minutes, the situation was under control.
A comparable event occurred in London recently, where West Ham fans harassed AZ supporters, including Coach Jansen’s family, after they cheered for the Dutch club’s first-half goal in the first leg.
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