A West Ham fan, who was the victim of a vicious machete racist attack, suffered three attacks that night but still went out drinking with his friends today.
John Payne, 51, from Stepney, suffered brain damage in the attack by three Asian men imprisoned at the Old Bailey for attempted murder.
He has been medically retired since the attack and has a huge scar on the back of his skull from the attack.
Mr Payne, who is married, had a seizure at Amsterdam airport and two more followed at Prague airport and at his hotel.
His friend Neil Whitbread, a Lloyds underwriter, said: ‘It’s been quite traumatic for him. I lay awake all night watching him. What a party that was.
John Payne (front row, left) was the victim of a machete racist attack in 2007
Payne has had three bouts in the last 24 hours but has still made it to Prague’s Old Square and plans to attend the Europa Conference League final tomorrow
“But he’s a top lad and he’s an important part of the West Ham squad. We’re glad he’s here and we’re happy to take care of him.’
Mr Payne said: ‘I couldn’t miss this final for the world.
West Ham haven’t played in a European final since 1976, so this could be my only chance.
“I had three attacks in 24 hours and my health is not great.
“I only drink one or two beers and then I take it easy. But my friends take care of me, so everything seems fine.
“I go to every West Ham game, home and away, and that’s why I have a ticket here for myself, to be a loyal supporter.
“I can’t wait for tomorrow night and I’m sure we’ll take the trophy home.”
Sodrul Islam, 23, Delwar Hussain, 21, and Mamoon Hussain, 20, were found guilty of attempted murder for the December 2007 attack on Mr Payne and received long prison terms.
West Ham fans took over bars in Prague’s historic Old Town Square, drinking pint after pint of strong ale and singing.
West Ham fans have been drinking and singing in Prague’s Old Square ahead of the final
Pop star and West Ham fan Chesney Hawkes (right) posed for photos with supporters
Norman Galea, his wife Rita and daughter Naomi flew to Prague from their home in Malta and they also follow West Ham weekly by traveling from their home.
Mr. Galea said, “We only got one ticket, I’ll give it to Rita. Naomi and I watch more football than she does, although we all love West Ham. We’ll watch it in the fan zone.’
Jason Williams, 23, from Bromley, said: ‘We’re not here to cause trouble, just to have fun and drink loads of this great ale.
“The icing on the cake is that we take home a cup. Can’t wait for the open top bus parade with the players.
“I hope they do it around Upton Park where the old ground was, rather than Stratford where we play now.”
West Ham fan Norman Galea (centre) plans to watch the match in the fan zone with his daughter Naomi (right) after giving his ticket to his wife Rita (left)
The fans chanted West Ham’s ‘bubbly’ song and songs in favor of defender Kurt Zouma who was prosecuted for kicking his cat.
A video of the star defender appeared on the internet and led to an indictment for which he received 180 hours of community service.
The fans chanted: ‘Kurt Zouma. He’s not a rapist…he just kicked a cat.”
Riot police were on standby in vans around the square, but once the rain stopped and the sun came out, there was little sign of trouble.