ALKMAAR, Netherlands : The coach and players of Dutch club AZ Alkmaar condemned sections of their own support who attacked family and friends of the West Ham United squad celebrating their success in Thursday’s Europa Conference League semi-final.
Home supporters broke through a fence and attacked the West Ham contingent seated in a reserved section behind their own team’s dugout at the AZ Stadium.
A brawl ensued in which West Ham players, including captain Declan Rice, attempted to intervene, with several running to the aid of relatives.
“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.”
Defender Pantelis Hatzidiakos was among several AZ players who spoke out against the violence in post-match interviews.
“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.”
Police and stewards were quickly on the scene to prevent further confrontation and calm was restored after 10 minutes.
There was a similar incident in London last week when AZ supporters, including the family of coach Jansen, were accosted by West Ham fans after they celebrated the goal scored by the Dutch club in the first half of the first leg.
(Writing by Mark Gleeson in Johannesburg; Editing by Peter Rutherford)
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