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

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

Pablo Fornals’ injury-time winner secured David Moyes’ side through to the final next month, but the visitors’ celebration was cut short when Alkmaar fans – dressed in black, hooded – ran across the pitch to unleash violence .

Punches were thrown and players tried to defend their friends and families, who were gathered behind the hollow.

MIchail Antonio and Flynn Downes both jumped the billboards, while others were held back as the violence was about to get really nasty.

Fortunately, order was restored after a few minutes and Declan Rice’s side was able to cross over to toast to their 3-1 aggregate win.

West Ham’s semi-final win sees them through to the UEFA Conference League Final

However, there were unpleasant scenes at the end of the game when AZ Alkmaar fans appeared to attack parts of the visiting supporters.

Former West Ham stars Joe Cole and Carlton Cole condemned the actions, and the pair spoke 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, our friends and colleagues. The players tried to break it up.

‘With things like that you have to look at UEFA and AZ Alkmaar. Showing up with balaclavas throwing punches, it’s just ridiculous. The players are rightly concerned, families, friends, children there. Ridiculous in the modern game, pathetic.’

“People talk about hooliganism in England. We don’t see things like that, haven’t for a long time. We’re getting a reputation for it. It’s other clubs in Europe, it’s pathetic.’

Dutch supporters attacked some of the visiting supporters where the player’s families were sitting

The players were involved in searching for their relatives and friends at the end of the game

“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 talked about taking our kids to the final, now you remember when you see things like that.’

Carlton Cole continued, “It wasn’t necessary. West Ham came, did their job, didn’t respect them. When such a goal goes in, you are elated, happy, you cannot suppress feelings.

“Your family is there with the fans. You have to understand that. What is that about? They are the same men who set off fireworks outside the player’s hotels. What are they doing? Relax.’

Adding to the criticism, AZ Alkmaar legend Robin Van Persie stood up for West Ham fans as he continued: “From a West Ham point of view, they can be happy and celebrate together.

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

Adding to the conversation, West Ham boss David Moyes revealed his players were concerned for their friends and family back in the corner.

“We have to wait for the dust to settle,” he said. “The biggest problem was the area where players have friends and families.

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