Supporters of AZ cause a lot of unrest immediately after the lost semi-final in the Conference League. AZ supporters attacked family members and acquaintances of the West Ham United players after the final whistle. The Mobile Unit had to act to calm things down. Tomás Soucek, among others, seemed to intervene and deal blows to the Alkmaar fans, because a number of family members were attacked. General manager Robert Eenhoorn of AZ then apologized to West Ham.
“It was hectic,” said Eenhoorn in conversation with ESPN. “I was actually hoping to get to the gate before it was over, but it was too late. I saw all kinds of people pass by. Then you hope that it remains somewhat calm. This is not good, very bad. Apologies to West Ham for this happening. Last week we experienced much the same, but not as bad as this. Then we could prevent it, now there was a confrontation.”
Eenhoorn saw up close how a group of AZ fans confronted people from West Ham in the main stand. “Guys broke through the fence and ended up in the main stand. I stood in between and also realized that there wasn’t much I could do. It was many against many. There were also players of theirs among them. You don’t have to think about anything happening with it at all. There were relatives in the stands, so I can understand that they defended them. I would have done exactly the same.”
On Thursday afternoon there was already a confrontation between groups of hooligans around Alkmaar station. Nevertheless, AZ did not see the riots in the stadium coming. “Everything was under control and I looked at that fence, but it’s not a flimsy fence. You assume it will. We have to evaluate this in the coming days, from our side and the police. Let’s see what could have been done better. It’s not that I get confused when people get aggressive, but this was a lot against a lot.”
AZ Alkmaar fans stormed the hospitality section, attacking West Ham fans! ??
pic.twitter.com/Lv2TbQXpUe— BlockSports (@Blockbetsports) May 18, 2023