Seven AZ Alkmaar supporters involved in last week’s attack on West Ham players and family are detained by police – as 26 fans report to Dutch authorities following their threat to unveil the culprits’ identities on national television
- West Ham were the target of a shocking attack from AZ Alkmaar fans last week
- Dutch police have been approached by 26 fans involved in the post-match attack
- It is believed 10 from the initial list of 24 culprits are still being sought by police
A total of 26 men involved in attempts to attack family and friends of West Ham United players in the Netherlands last week have been reported to police, Dutch media revealed on Wednesday.
It is understood that seven individuals have been detained while 10 more are still being sought by authorities.
Dutch police used a television programme on Tuesday to appeal for help to try and identify hooligans, showing images of suspects involved in the attack at the conclusion of Thursday’s Europa Conference League semi-final second leg between AZ Alkmaar and the London club.
Dutch police had identified 24 supporters as suspects in the alleged premeditated attack at the AZ Stadium in Alkmaar after the home club lost.
More individuals thought to have been involved have reported to police, although 10 from that initial list of 24 are still being sought.
Seven of the hooded AZ Alkmaar supporters who attacked the relatives of West Ham United players during their Europa Conference League tie last week have been detained by police
Dutch authorities have been approached by 26 supporters involved in the post-match attack
Fans came forward after police threatened to unveil their identities on a television programme
Police had given those involved a deadline on Tuesday to report or otherwise have their images shown on a national television programme called ‘Opsporing verzocht’ (investigation requested), which broadcasts appeals to identify criminals caught on camera, suspects, missing persons or unidentified bodies.
‘There were people who we were not initially looking for, but who were afraid that they were in one of the photos,’ a police spokesman told the Algemeen Dagblad newspaper.
‘It is therefore not the case that they are automatically all suspected of open violence.’
Photos taken by security cameras of 10 men involved in the attacks were shown on TV on Tuesday. They have also been posted on the programme’s website.
Home supporters broke through a fence and attacked the West Ham contingent seated in a reserved section behind their own team’s dugout at the AZ Stadium at the final whistle.
A brawl ensued in which West Ham players, including captain Declan Rice, attempted to intervene, with several running to the aid of relatives and friends who were under threat.
Forward Michail Antonio (centre) jumped over the advertising hoardings after chaos broke out
An underage boy kicked a West Ham player, the TV programme showed while obscuring his face.
The attack was condemned by AZ Alkmaar, who called the actions of their supporters ‘shameful’.
In the meantime, the municipality in Nijmegen has banned AZ supporters from attending Sunday’s Dutch league game against home side NEC.
Bans on travelling support in the Netherlands are common to prevent potential stadium violence.
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