It was after the semifinals of the Europa Conference League that a tumult broke out in the stands. Masked AZ Alkmaar supporters tried to get onto the section where the families of the West Ham players sat.
Several English supporters stepped in and stopped the masked people in a fight. One who was in the middle of the drama was 58-year-old Chris Knoll.
The day after the chaos, he is praised by both players and supporters. West Ham goalkeeper Alphonse Areolas calls him a legend on Instagram and Areola’s wife thanks him for the intervention.
According to Daily Mail has earned Knoll the nickname “Angel of Alkmaar”.
– It was quite obvious what was going to happen in the stands because they intended to come to us. They were ultras, you could tell by what they were wearing. I just decided I wasn’t going to let them come up, he tells the Daily Mail.
West Ham further: “Fantastic”
Knoll is a 58-year-old father of four with a newly operated hip. He describes himself as a regular season ticket holder at West Ham’s home games.
– I can’t go to the away games because it takes over your life, and I’m not sure my wife would be too happy because I also have a job.
Apart from the commotion, he was pleased with the evening. Especially since West Ham progressed to the final.
– It was amazing.
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