West Ham fan “Knollsy” who brawled with AZ Alkmaar soccer thugs to defend gamers’ households has insisted he’s “no hero”.
Chris Knoll – a 58-year-old dad-of-four – has been hailed for preventing off dozens of hooligans after they charged the world of seating the place the wives and companions of gamers had been sitting.
AZ Alkmaar ultras broke down a 12ft gate as West Ham bested their facet 1-0 to safe a spot within the closing of the Europa Conference League.
Wearing black hoods and masks, the agency referred to as the “Ben Side Ultras” stormed in the direction of stands that included households of the gamers after the ultimate whistle, The Sun stories.
But the horrifying scenes weren’t sufficient to cease Knollsy stepping in.
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Instead he stepped up and together with one other fan stood on the high of the steps which led up the seats, battering Dutch hooligans as they tried to climb up.
West Ham goalkeeper Alphonse Areola branded Chris a “legend”, whereas his spouse Marrion labelled him because the “biggest hero”.
Knolls associates have advised The Sun he acted to guard German ace Thilo Kerher’s girlfriend.
Knollsy, a lifelong West Ham, nonetheless mentioned he merely did what he needed to do to keep away from extra violence and to guard others.
“I’m not a hero. I just did what I had to do. There was another guy who was fending them off. I don’t like bullies and just had to try and stop them,” he advised MailOnline.
“I just thought the best form of defence was to attack.
“You could see they were intent on causing trouble and I did not want them to get to those behind us.”
A fellow fan needed him “knighted” whereas others known as for the membership to provide them free tickets to the ultimate.
Knollsy was on the recreation along with his son-in-law and claimed he knew what was coming as quickly as Pablo Fornals slotted dwelling the winner.
“They were the ultras, you could see that from what they were wearing. I just decided I wasn’t going to let them come up,” he mentioned.
“I know they were swinging punches and I just did my best to stand there and take it.”
He mentioned he was continuously battered within the facet of the top and was left with a bruised eye.
The hero fan spent the night time in Amsterdam following the match earlier than flying again to London.
He has been roundly praised for his bravery following the surprising and ugly scenes.
AZ Alkmaar has issued a grovelling apology – and the membership is now being investigated by UEFA over the violence.
West Ham booked their place within the closing on June 7.
But at this stage it seems like Knollsy won’t be capable of go regardless of his heroics.
“If I can get a ticket and a couple for the two who were with me in Amsterdam, I will be there to cheer on the Hammers,” he mentioned.
“I’d love to be at the final. Hopefully it will be trouble free and we can just enjoy a fantastic match.”
AZ’s hooliganism is claimed to stem from the membership’s early days with a gaggle referred to as the “Ben Side” supporters.
The identify refers to the place the group sits within the Jan van der Ben stand, which was named after a predecessor membership’s chairman.
The group claims they “made their mark for the first time” throughout an away match at Feyenoord in 1977, in line with an AZ supporter web site.
There they clashed with opposition followers, throwing beer bottles and cans at gamers.
In one other infamous assembly, the group clashed with Haarlem in June 1977.
Riots ensued over the sport, with many supporters brining knives, and cops later made a number of arrests.
A 16-year-old was stabbed and round 28 folks arrested throughout a very horrific altercation in March 1986 between AZ and PSV followers.
The teenager, a PSV fan who was not recognized, was rushed to hospital.
At the identical recreation, confrontations between supporters additionally noticed a home-made pipe bomb lobbed into the PSV stand, though fortunately nobody was injured, reported The New York Times.
The “Ben Side” group has continued to indicate its help on-line lately.
Its members seem wearing black, elevating flairs, letting off fireworks and inflicting havoc at each dwelling and away video games.
The group although claims it is just curious about “improving the atmosphere in the stadium”.
Dutch police say they’re persevering with to analyse the footage from Friday’s assault.
The pressure mentioned: “Together with AZ, the municipality of Alkmaar and the public prosecution service we will evaluate last night’s incidents, which we regret having happened. This kind of behaviour has no place in football.”
— This story initially appeared on thesun.co.uk and has been republished with permission
Originally revealed as Wild video reveals ‘hero’ fought thugs by himself to guard gamers’ wives
Source: www.dailytelegraph.com.au
