West Ham and AZ Alkmaar fans clash in violent scenes as groups of supporters are seen fighting for their decision in the Europa Conference League semi-finals on the streets of the Netherlands
- Violent scenes have erupted ahead of AZ Alkmaar against West Ham later tonight
- The teams play their second semi-final of the Europa Conference League
- Videos show riots breaking out in the streets of Alkmaar as fans chase each other
Having unsavory scenes erupted between West Ham and AZ Alkmaar fans ahead of tonight’s Europa Conference League semi-final second leg.
The Hammers took the advantage in their first draw, but made it difficult for themselves by beating the Eredivisie 2-1 at the London Stadium from behind last Thursday.
Concerns have already been raised by the FA and the Met Police about the safety of fans heading into the final on June 7, should West Ham go ahead.
But tonight’s meeting has been marred by what’s going on described by the Dutch news center NH as a ‘grim atmosphere’ because riots broke out today between masked figures in the streets of Alkmaar.
Videos are on the rise on social media of hooded figures, including fans of both clubs, according to NH, running through the streets.
A clip shows a person being brutally attacked by several hooligans, with a person using an object resembling a bicycle to knock the supporter to the ground.
Fans of West Ham and AZ Alkmaar collide today in the run-up to the semi-finals of the Europa Conference League
There were unsavory scenes in Alkmaar today with riots between the fans
Alkmaar will welcome around 5,000 traveling West Ham fans for the game tonight
Another video posted to Twitter shows a large group of hooligans congregating at the end of a street
Another video shows a large group of supporters running down the street, apparently holding chairs.
It comes after AZ Alkmaar fans set off fireworks outside the West Ham team hotel last night in an attempt to disrupt the England side ahead of the semi-final.
Images posted online actually shows it was a fan by a stray missile as people dressed in dark colors ran away from the scene.
Crowds of hooded figures ran through the streets clutching chairs and other objects
It comes after West Ham went 2-1 in the opening game of their semi-final last Thursday
Some hooded Alkmaar fans also set off fireworks outside West Ham’s team hotel last night
It comes after Mikhail Antonio (center) scored the winner in the game’s opening game
The two sides play tonight at the AFAS Stadium in Alkmaar, which seats 19,478 supporters, with 5,000 West Ham fans set to attend tonight.
The Irons got off to a bad start in London last week and are hoping for a faster opening in the Netherlands this week, after Tijjani Reijnders scored the visitors in the first half.
Said Benrahma would level the field in the second half with a penalty before Mikhail Antonio scored a goal just 15 minutes from time.
West Ham have only reached two European finals in their history, the last one coming 47 years ago.