Moment clashes erupt between West Ham & AZ Alkmaar fans ahead of tense Europa Conference League semi-final decider
Violent scenes erupted as rival groups of West Ham and AZ Alkmaar fans clash before the game tonight.
Fans were seen chasing each other on the streets of Holland while waiting for the Europa Conference League semi-final playoff.
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A local news agency has described a “somber atmosphere” as football fans in hoodies sparked brawls tonight.
In footage shared on social media, one person was filmed being viciously attacked by a group, one member using what appeared to be a bicycle as a weapon.
Other clips on Twitter showed large swarms of fans racing through the streets with what appeared to be chairs.
It is understood that West Ham fans were involved in the altercation between Alkmar fans and FC Groningen.
This comes after AZ Alkmaar fans tried to disrupt the semi-final by setting off firecrackers outside West Ham’s team hotel.
One fan was even hit by a stray missile, as seen in video clips, and hooded figures fled the area.
West Ham played the first leg of the semifinals at home last Thursday and won 2-1.
The team have returned to their strongest available line-up for tonight’s second leg and are looking to reach their first European final in 47 years.
David Moyes made nine changes since Sunday’s Premier League defeat by Brentford, including Declan Rice, Lucas Paqueta and Michail Antonio returning.
The two teams will play at the AFAS Stadion, which has a capacity of almost 19,5000 fans – of which around 5,000 are expected for West Ham tonight.
Andy Carroll is currently enjoying himself during the game and singing with the fans near the stadium.
In a clip posted to Twitter, the 34-year-old Reading forward could be seen hopping up and down and chanting: “West Ham are huge where we’re going, West Ham are huge where we’re going.”
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