FEARLESS West Ham superfan Chris “Knollsy” Knoll vowed to go to struggle for his membership once more if wanted – as he arrived in Prague for the UECL remaining tonight.
The 58-year-old bruiser was hailed a hero after holding off AZ Alkmaar thugs after they charged Irons followers and WAGs final month.
West Ham fan Chris Knoll pictured taking selfies with followersCredit score: @WestHam_Central / twitter
Chris was seen holding the road towards the rioting followers final monthCredit score: Getty
West Ham supporters have flooded the town centre of PragueCredit score: EPA
A whole bunch have been additionally seen having fun with themselves within the fan space forward of tonight’s remainingCredit score: PA
Hammers followers are eyeing up their first European trophy in 58 yearsCredit score: Reuters
He joins hundreds of others who headed to Czech Republic’s capital to take in the match-day ambiance earlier than West Ham play Italian-side Fiorentina within the Europa Convention remaining.
It was reported West Ham executives gave Knollsy tickets to the match after his newest heroic act.
The person appeared in good spirits as he took selfies with followers outdoors the Fortuna Area final evening.
David Moyes’ facet are eyeing up their first European trophy in 58 years – with feelings among the many crowd anticipated to be electrifying.
Knollsy informed the MailOnline that if tensions escalated, he was ready to defend his fellow supporters once more.
He mentioned: “I hope there’s no bother right here, as a result of I may need to do all of it once more.
“I’ve to say it once more, however I solely did what would’ve been anticipated.
“There have been ladies and kids they usually may’ve been attacked.
“I acted instinctively, though I had a sense there was one thing unhealthy within the air earlier than.”
The dad-of-four was lauded after his valiant brawl with the Dutch hoolies final month.
AZ Alkmaar ultras broke down a 12ft gate as West Ham bested their facet 1-0 to safe a spot within the remaining.
Sporting black hoods and masks, the agency often known as the “Ben Facet Ultras” stormed in the direction of stands that included households of the gamers after the ultimate whistle.
However the horrifying scenes weren’t sufficient to cease Knollsy stepping in.
As an alternative he stepped up and together with one other fan stood on the prime of the steps which led up the seats, battering the yobs as they tried to climb up.
West Ham goalkeeper Alphonse Areola branded Chris a “legend”, whereas his spouse Marrion labelled him because the “largest hero”.
AZ Alkmaar has issued a grovelling apology – and the membership is now being investigated by UEFA over the violence.
AZ’s hooliganism is alleged to stem from the membership’s early days with a gaggle often known as the “Ben Facet” supporters.
The title 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 primary time” throughout an away match at Feyenoord in 1977, in response to 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.
On the similar sport, confrontations between supporters additionally noticed a home-made pipe bomb lobbed into the PSV stand, though fortunately nobody was injured, reported The New York Instances.
The “Ben Facet” group has continued to point out its assist on-line in recent times.
Its members seem wearing black, elevating flairs, letting off fireworks and inflicting havoc at each residence and away video games.
The group although claims it is just keen on “bettering the ambiance within the stadium”.
Dutch police say they’re persevering with to analyse the footage from yesterday’s assault.
The drive mentioned: “Along with AZ, the municipality of Alkmaar and the general public prosecution service we are going to consider final evening’s incidents, which we remorse having occurred. This sort of behaviour has no place in soccer.”
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The Dutch ultras tried to interrupt into the stand containing gamers’ householdsCredit score: Getty
Chris ‘Knollsy’ Knoll has insisted he’s no hero regardless of his actionsCredit score: Enterprise
Followers of Fiorentina collect within the Outdated City Sq. previous to the UEFA Europa Convention League remainingCredit score: EPA
The match is anticipated to be a blockbusterCredit score: Information Group Newspapers Ltd .