‘It was really understandable’: Chris Sutton can understand why West Ham players dove into the crowd to protect their families during the shocking violence at the end of their side’s Conference League semi-final win over AZ Alkmaar
Chris Sutton supported the West Ham players after diving into the crowd to protect friends and family after their win over AZ Alkmaar.
It comes after David Moyes’ side scored late to secure their place in the UEFA Conference League final as Pablo Fornals’ strike was enough for the win on the night, with a 3-1 aggregate win seeing the Londoners in their first European final for 47 years. .
However, with the post-match controversy as AZ Alkmaar supporters attacked the West Ham faithful, several players jumped into the crowd to protect their fans, something pundit Sutton understood.
Speaking to BT Sport, he said: “I challenge any player in this position, with family members in this situation and not defending them.”
‘So it seemed. How AZ got there needs to be looked at by UEFA. In terms of player reaction, really understandable.
Pablo Fornals scored the game’s only goal to send West Ham into the European final
AZ Alkmaar fans tried to attack West Ham supporters after Fornals scored his goal
Chris Sutton and Don Hutchinson defended worried West Ham players
Don Hutchinson, who has played for the Irons twice, has joined Sutton in backing West Ham players for their concern.
“Chris said five minutes from the end that the Dutch police should have felt it and protected the West Ham fans,” he began.
“The players are thrilled, then it turns into fear. Your family is in there, your wife, your children can be in there.
“Your first action as a player is to go in there and protect your loved ones. It’s laudable, but it should never be allowed to happen.
After the game, Hammers boss David Moyes admitted he was also worried about his family.
“I can’t explain what happened and why it happened,” Moyes said.
“The players were involved because it was the family section… that was probably the reason for the reaction.
“I don’t want this to ruin the night in any way because the West Ham fans weren’t looking for trouble. Hopefully they (UEFA) will look into it.
“My family was there and I had friends in that section. You hope they would try to get away from it… I didn’t recognize it because I was too happy.
“Security wanted to take me inside but I had to make sure my players weren’t involved.”
West Ham will face Fiorentina in the Europa Conference League final, following the Italians’ late extra-time victory against FC Basel.
More soon…
