Stars’ families speak of violence after West Ham’s Euro triumph

WEST HAM’S players have spoken of their fears after their families were caught up in a frightening attack by hooligans following the club’s European semi-final win.

- Anthony France

Black-shirted, hooded AZ Alkmaar fans last night stormed a section of the ground housing the team’s officials, sponsors, and friends and families.

Players including Michail Antonio, Saïd Benrahma, Aaron Cresswell and Jarrod Bowen were seen climbing over advertising hoardings in a bid to protect their families and stop the violence. Goalkeeper Alphonse Areola said he had family in the section that was targeted. “We were a bit worried about them. Security is the most important thing in a stadium. It was a bit too open for the opposing fans. When families or fans are coming to the stadium we don’t want to see things like that,” he said.