Shocking scenes as West Ham fans are ATTACKED by a group of hooded AZ Alkmaar supporters

West Ham’s Europa Conference League semi-final win over AZ Alkmaar descended into carnage as players climbed into the crowd after Dutch supporters attacked a section of visiting supporters where many of their loved ones were sitting.

Pablo Fornals’ injury-time winner ensured David Moyes’ side are into next month’s final but the visitors’ celebrations were cut short when Alkmaar fans – dressed in black, hoods up – raced around the ground to spark violence.

Punches were thrown and players jumped into try and defend their friends and families, who were gathered behind the away dugout.

MIchail Antonio and Flynn Downes both leapt over the hoardings, while others were held back, as the violence threatened to turn really nasty.

Fortunately, order was restored after a few minutes and Declan Rice’s side could head over to the away end to toast their 3-1 aggregate win.

Pablo Fornals netted the only goal of the game as West Ham secured a victory over AZ Alkmaar

West Ham’s semi-final win sees them progress into the UEFA Conference League final

However, the end of the match saw unpleasant scenes as AZ Alkmaar fans appeared to attack sections of the visiting supporters. 

Former West Ham stars Joe Cole and Carlton Cole condemned the actions, with the pair speaking to BT Sport.

Joe Cole called for action from UEFA, as he said: ‘It’s absurd. Ridiculous grown men, AZ Alkmaar fans attacking the fans where families were sitting, our friends and colleagues. The players tried to break it up. 

‘You have to look at UEFA and AZ Alkmaar with things like that. Turning up with balaclavas throwing punches, it’s just ridiculous. The players are rightfully concerned, families, friends, kids over there. Ridiculous in teh modren game, pathetic.’

‘People talk about hooliganism in England. We dont’ see things like that, we haven’t for a long time. We get a reputation for it. It’s other clubs in Europe, it’s pathetic.’

Dutch supporters attacked a section of visiting supporters where the player’s families sat

The players were involved at the end of the match as they looked for their relatives and friends

‘We have friends sitting there. In the modern game, with the cameras in these places, find out who these people are and ban them for life. We were talking about bringing our kids to the final now you second guess when you see things like that.’

Carlton Cole continued: ‘There was no need for it. West Ham came, did their job, didn’t disrespect them. When a goal like that goes in you’re elated, happy, you can’t suppress feelings. 

‘Your family is over there with the fans. You have to understand that. What is that about? It’s the same men that were outside the player’s hotels, setting off fireworks. What are they doing? Chill out.’ 

AZ Alkmaar legend Robin Van Persie added to the criticism, sticking up for West Ham fans as he continued: ‘From the point of view of West Ham, they are allowed to be happy and celebrate together. 

‘This should not happen. It’s a big shame. Everyone is here, there’s a winning and losing team. That’s part of it.’

West Ham boss David Moyes added to the conversation, revealing that his player’s were concerned for their friends and family in the away end.

‘We need to wait for the dust to settle,’ he said. ‘The biggest problem was the area players have friends and families in. 

‘The players were angry they couldn’t see if they were okay. We need to wait and ask the officials what happened.’