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.
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.'
'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.'
Maxpower
0
So many "Ultras" are extremists that come to do harm, not represent a team. They don't come to cheer a team, they come to do harm to an actual football supporter. Shameful behavior.