West Ham are set to celebrate with an open bus parade their victory over Fiorentina of Italy, to win the Europa Conference League title Wednesday night in Prague. It was their first ever title since 1980, but they have been branded animals by Fiorentina president Rocco Commisso.
The East London club snatched a late goal scored by Jarrod Bowen to send the Hammers and their fans in a celebration frenzy. However, the game was a battle which left Fiorentina captain Cristiano Biraghi bleeding after West Ham fans pelted him with objects. Striker Luka Jovic also suffered a broken nose.
“I expected to win, but it wasn’t like that. But there have been episodes on the pitch where the referee had to make the difference
“[Luka] Jovic came out with a broken nose, Biraghi with a cut on his head. I spoke to the president of the Premier League, those of West Ham are animals in the way they treated ours. It’s not right.
“This match could have been won 3-0. I’m sorry for the fans, they deserved more.’)
West Ham issued a statement regarding the objects thrown onto the pitch by their fans which read: ‘West Ham United unreservedly condemn the behaviour of a small number of individuals who threw objects onto the pitch during tonight’s UEFA Europa Conference League final.
“These actions have no place in football, and do not in any way represent the values of our football club and the overwhelming majority of our supporters, who have behaved impeccably in Prague this week and throughout our last two seasons in European competition.
“We will work with the Police and other stakeholders to review the incidents and act against anyone found guilty of an offence. In line with our zero-tolerance approach, anyone identified will have their details passed to the police and will be given an indefinite ban and therefore be unable to enter London Stadium and travel with the Club. There is no place for this kind of behaviour at West Ham United.’
