By Shaun Murphy-
West Ham players have been cleared by Uefa after clashing with AZ Alkmaar thugs in the Europa Conference League semi-final.
Mayhem erupted during the semi-final of the Europa Conference League, as Alkmaar was handed a suspended one-game stadium ban along with nearly £69,000 in fines.
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After the match, which AZ lost, a number of supporters tried to storm the main stand where West Ham officials and family members were sitting. They were repelled by West Ham supporters and club officials before the arrival of riot police.
At least 14 AZ supporters, aged between 19 and 45, have been given short jail terms and community service for their part in the trouble.
In total, 18 men were arrested after the game and a television appeal for information.
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The stadium ban will be activated if there is any more trouble at their ground in the next two years while they were fined £43,000 for the attack on the West Ham section.
Mayhem erupted after David Moyes’ team won 1-0 on the night to knock out Alkmaar 3-1 on aggregate.
A statement said: “The UEFA control, ethics and disciplinary body has taken the following decision which would affect the attendance of supporters to UEFA matches: to fine AZ Alkmaar 7,125 euros for throwing of objects; to fine AZ Alkmaar 15,000 euros for lighting of fireworks; to fine AZ Alkmaar 8,000 euros for blocking of public passageways.
“To fine AZ Alkmaar 50,000 euros and to order AZ Alkmaar to play its next (1) UEFA competition match as host club behind closed doors, for crowd disturbances and its failure to ensure that spectators cannot move from one sector to another.
“Said match behind closed doors is suspended for a probationary period of two years, starting from the date of the present decision.
Alkmaar have also been fined £12,900 for the lighting of fireworks, £6,900 for supporters blocking public passageways and £6,000 for the throwing of objects, .
Although stewards and security were on the scene, Hammers players including Lucas Paqueta, Said Benrahma, Declan Rice, Angelo Ogbonna, Aaron Cresswell, Jarrod Bowen and Flynn Downes were all involved in the chaos.
Bowen’s 90th-minute winner saw the London club bring home their first piece major silverware since 1980.
Uefa also slapped West Ham fans with a ban going into next season’s opening Europa League away fixture.
However, the Hammers faithful were left unhappy at the level of punishment dished out by Uefa to Alkmaar.
One fan wrote: “Considering our bans, embarrassing punishment.”
A second said: “I’m sorry how have they literally attacked the families of the players and have got away with a minimal fine?”
Another remarked: “That’s not even a slap on the wrist.”
A fourth declared: “If an English team did that we’d be banned for multiple years. The double standard is crazy.”
It follows violence after the Serie A side’s captain Cristiano Biraghi sustained a cut head after being hit by one of several plastic cups hurled at him from the end containing Hammers supporters.
West Ham was also charged with an invasion of the field of play, after winning their match against Fiorentina 2-1 on Wednesday (June 7).
The Hammers have been charged with invasion of the field of play and throwing of objects, while the Serie A side are charged with throwing of objects and lighting of fireworks.
Disciplinary proceedings have been instigated in accordance with Article 55 of the UEFA Disciplinary Regulations.
The game was halted after a cup thrown left Fiorentina captain Cristiano Biragi bleeding from the head.
Plastic pint glasses were hurled from the West Ham end throughout the first half at the Eden Arena in Prague.
A message over the PA system urged supporters to stop throwing things on to the pitch and to respect the players, before play eventually resumed with the score still 0-0, before West Ham went on to win 2-1 thanks to Jarrod Bowen’s last-minute goal.
West Ham at the time released a statement condemning fans who threw objects onto the pitch during Wednesday’s Europa Conference League final in Prague.
“West Ham United unreservedly condemn the behaviour of a small number of individuals who threw objects onto the pitch during tonight’s UEFA Europa Conference League final,” the statement read.
“These actions have no place in football, and do not in any way represent the values of our football club and the overwhelming majority of our supporters, who have behaved impeccably in Prague this week and throughout our last two seasons in European competition.
“We will work with the police and other stakeholders to review the incidents and act against anyone found guilty of an offence. In line with our zero-tolerance approach, anyone identified will have their details passed to the police and will be given an indefinite ban and therefore be unable to enter London Stadium and travel with the club.
“There is no place for this kind of behaviour at West Ham United.”The Hammers won their match against Fiorentina 2-1 on Wednesday (June 7).
The incident incident involving West and the charges of violence during the league final have sent shockwaves throughout the sports community. The implications of these charges are far-reaching, impacting not only the individuals involved but also the reputation of the league and the broader perception of sportsmanship.
The incident tarnishes the league’s reputation and raises questions about the adequacy of their security measures and disciplinary protocols. Sponsors and stakeholders may express concerns over association with a league marred by violence, potentially impacting future investments and sponsorships.
The league’s ability to attract fans and maintain a positive image will be severely tested, requiring swift and decisive action to restore trust and credibility.
Implications
The implications of West’s charges extended beyond the immediate participants and the league. The incident undermined the principles of sportsmanship and fair play, highlighting the need for stronger measures to prevent such occurrences in the future.
This fine served as a reminder that maintaining the values of sportsmanship is crucial to preserving the essence and appeal of the game.
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In the wake of the charges against West, there were increased calls for enhanced security measures and more stringent disciplinary actions within the league. Fans, players, and the public demand a safe and respectful sporting environment.