AZ Alkmaar, a club in the Dutch first division, announced last Thursday that 43 organized fans were sanctioned with a ban on entering the stadium, following attacks on West Ham fans in the second leg of the Conference League semi-final in May 18, in Holland.
“AZ have issued 43 stadium entry bans in response to last week’s issues. This concerns the persons involved in the misconduct at the European semi-final in Alkmaar,” the club said on Thursday night.
The club confirmed the opening of an investigation by the Dutch authorities. Police have already arrested 14 people following the incident.
“It is by no means excluded that further stadium bans are enacted at national level,” the club added in the statement.
AZ said it was discussing possible measures “with the relevant authorities” ahead of Sunday’s Eredivisie (Dutch top flight) game against PSV Eindhoven.
The violence began after the goal of the Spaniard Pablo Fornals, which gave the victory to the English and, consequently, the classification for their first European final in 47 years.
Hooded AZ ultras tried to invade the area reserved for the families of players and West Ham coaching staff after the end of the match. The team’s coach, David Moyes, admitted that he was concerned about his family’s safety.
Football in the Netherlands has seen an increase in violence this season, with a number of serious incidents. In April, Ajax midfielder Davy Klaasen was injured by a lighter thrown from the stands by a Feyenoord fan.
Source: Gazetaesportiva
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