Lone West Ham Fan ‘Knollsy’ Fights Off Dozens Of Hooded Hooligans To Protect Players’ Families
West Ham United of the Premier League advanced to the Europa Conference League Final on Thursday following a 1-0 win (3-1 aggregate across two legs) over Dutch side AZ Alkmaar.
Unfortunately, though, West Ham’s on-the-pitch performance isn’t what’s making headlines following the match, as a group of deranged AZ Alkmaar attempted to storm the section of the stadium that was housing the family and friends of West Ham fans.
However, the “ultras” were largely unsuccessful as they were fended off by a singular and massive West Ham fan that’s known only as “Knollsy”. Additionally, West Ham players were also seen attempting to intervene.
West Ham fan "Knollsy" protecting the family stand and fending off AZ ultras
pic.twitter.com/C7XoXlxBBa— West Ham Central (@WestHam_Central) May 19, 2023
West Ham players fighting with the AZ Alkmaar fans last night, who were trying to attack their family and friends. pic.twitter.com/Aza0d8f4bK
— 𝐂𝐚𝐬𝐮𝐚𝐥 𝐔𝐥𝐭𝐫𝐚 𝐎𝐟𝐟𝐢𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐥 (@thecasualultra) May 19, 2023
How many
’s for ‘Knollsy’
https://t.co/phTJNPNnSQ pic.twitter.com/kAn34JYLkn
— Casual Mind (@CasualMind_) May 19, 2023
AZ supporters broke through a fence and attacked the West Ham contingent seated in a reserved section at the AZ Stadium. A brawl ensued in which West Ham players attempted to intervene. Police and stewards then arrived on the scene to prevent further confrontation and calm was restored 10 minutes later.
Dutch police issued a statement which read: “So far, no arrests have been made. Our aim was to disperse the crowd and restore order as quickly as possible, in which we succeeded. The police will investigate footage of the incidents and try to identify supporters. Arrests may follow from this.” [via Sky Sports]
While their appearance in the Europa Conference League Final marks their first European final in 47 years, West Ham’s position in the Premier League is a bit more precarious as they currently sit in 15th place with two games to go. Given that they’re sitting six points above the bottom three, though, the Hammers are virtually safe from relegation.
To close out their 2022-23 Premier League campaign, West Ham United will take on two relegation contenders: Leeds United on Sunday and Leicester City on the final day of the season, May 28.
The Europa Conference League Final, which will see West Ham United take on Italian club Fiorentina, will be held in Prague on June 7.
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Eric Italiano, Khareem Sudlow
