Alkmaar make assertion after West Ham followers attacked in horrific scenes
Pablo Fornals’ stoppage-time strike, which earned a 3-1 mixture victory and despatched them to subsequent month’s last in Prague, prompted a gang of black-shirted, hooded AZ ultras to attempt to storm into the area reserved for friends and family behind the dugout.
Players together with Michail Antonio, Said Benrahma, Aaron Cresswell and Flynn Downes climbed over the promoting hoardings in a bid to cease the difficulty.
An AZ assertion learn: “While everyone hoped for a historic European match, it turned into a pitch-black evening due to the events occurring at the referee’s final whistle. It turned into a night to reflect on with shame.
“Not due to the soccer recreation performed, however due to the behaviour of some attending. Unfortunately, we can’t use the phrase ‘supporters’ for these folks.
“What happened is beyond all bounds. The club again sincerely apologises to West Ham and the thousands of well-minded AZ supporters who have also been inconvenienced by the misconduct.
“In the approaching interval AZ will – along with the police, Public Prosecution Service, and Alkmaar’s municipality – consider precisely what occurred, the way it may have occurred and what must be improved any further. It is obvious that issues should be improved.
“Part of the evaluation is a thorough review of all available footage so that appropriate consequences may follow for those responsible for this outrageous behaviour.
“AZ is a civilised membership the place sportsmanship and norms and values are paramount. The membership will do the whole lot potential, along with the authorities concerned, to establish these individuals and to take acceptable measures.”
UEFA is expected to launch an investigation into the trouble.
The governing body’s disciplinary panel will wait for the relevant reports before deciding on any action, but the PA news agency understands that given the severity of the disorder, it could follow previous cases and an inspector may be appointed to investigate more thoroughly.
Given the extensive video footage of the ugly scenes the Dutch club could face heavy sanctions.
Hammers boss David Moyes, whose 87-year-old father David Snr was at the match, said: “I can’t clarify what occurred and why it occurred.
“I can only say the players were involved because it was the family section and most of their family and friends were in there. That was probably the reason for the reaction.
“Was I nervous? Yeah, my household have been there and I had buddies in that part. You’re hoping they’d try to get themselves away from it.
“I didn’t recognise it because I’d gone onto the pitch. Security wanted to take me inside, but I had to make sure my players weren’t involved.”
Additional reporting from PA