AZ Alkmaar Suspend 43 Folks Prior West Ham fans Incident
After West Ham supporters were abused following a Europa Conference League semifinal, Dutch Eredivisie team AZ Alkmaar issued 43 stadium bans.
After the game on May 19, hooded AZ supporters attempted to swarm the area set aside for friends and family of the West Ham players and staff.
“In response to the unrest from last week, AZ has now banned 43 stadiums. In a statement released by the club late on Thursday, the club claimed that it “concerns guests who were part in the wrongdoing surrounding the European semi-final in Alkmaar.
It is not ruled out that other local stadium restrictions will be implemented.
The club reported that Dutch authorities were still conducting a criminal probe.
The incident has resulted in 14 persons being detained by Dutch police.
Prior to their Eredivisie matchup against PSV Eindhoven on Sunday, AZ Alkmaar stated that they were also discussing steps “with the relevant authorities.”
“The starting point is that the many thousands of well-intentioned AZ Alkmaar supporters must be able to experience a pleasant match visit,” it said.
The fighting broke out after Pablo Fornals’ injury-time strike gave the Hammers a 1-0 victory and secured their first appearance in a European final in 47 years.
David Moyes, the manager of West Ham, acknowledged worrying about his family’s safety.
This year, there have been more than a dozen significant cases of football violence in the Netherlands.
