Final-minute European triumph for West Ham as followers conflict with police
Bowen’s last-minute strike secured a dramatic 2-1 victory for West Ham over Fiorentina within the Europa Conference League last in Prague and ended their 43-year look forward to a trophy.
The 26-year-old winger raced on to Lucas Paqueta’s through-ball and slotted dwelling to spark wild celebrations on the pitch, the touchline and within the stands.
Some West Ham followers clashed with riot police within the Czech metropolis after setting off flares as they celebrated profitable the trophy.
A scuffle broke out after law enforcement officials tried to confiscate a lit flare as followers gathered within the Old Town space of the town.
Riot police stormed a gaggle after they lit a second flare, with followers responding by pelting the officers with bottles and missiles.
The Hammers additionally condemned the behaviour of a piece of their assist after Fiorentina defender Cristiano Biraghi was left bleeding by an object thrown from the group through the match.
“I can’t sum it up, it’s the best feeling I’ve had in my career,” stated Bowen.
“When I went through I had a lot of time and it was just about making sure you put it in.
“The keeper came out and I think I fell over, I looked up and the ball was going in and I thought ‘no, this isn’t happening’.
“I spoke to my family before and said ‘imagine scoring a goal in the last minute’. To bring a trophy to this club is the best moment of my career.
“The fans as well, seeing them after the game I was a bit lost for words. It’s the best feeling of my life, never in my wildest dreams did I think I’d win a European trophy.
“I’m so buzzing, all of us are just going to go mad I think. You have to celebrate.
“When the final whistle went I just thought’ this party is going to be crazy. I’m just a little boy from Leominster who never thought I’d be talking like this. My family are crying and it just shows me how far I’ve come.”
West Ham led via a Said Benrahma penalty on the hour however have been instantly pegged again by Giacomo Bonaventura’s strike.
But when Bowen raced via with a minute to go, boss David Moyes nearly discovered himself going full Jose Mourinho.
“The moment he went through I was edging down the touchline,” he stated. “If it was going to be anyone, I thought ‘this is the moment’.
“But I couldn’t do a full Mourinho knee slide as the grass was a bit dry and I’d have ended up on my belly.”