Cristiano Biraghi, Fiorentina’s captain was left with blood coming from his head after being slammed by an object thrown by West Ham United fans during their UEFA Europa Conference League final match on the 7th of June.
What happened to Cristiano Biraghi?
Biraghi was on his way to the corner flag during the Europa Conference League final between the Hammers and Fiorentina.
Almost before 35 minutes of play, several objects were thrown at Biraghi and the female assistant referee, Guadalupe Porras Ayuso, including plastic cups and an Elf Bar vaporizer.
Cristiano Biraghi was hit by the vaporizer, as he clapped sarcastically at the supporters who were responsible for the crime.
Before the game resumed, Declan Rice and several other West Ham players addressed the crowd and asked that they remain calm.
Lucas Paqueta, Nayef Aguerd, and Vladimir Coufal also pleaded with their fans to stop hurling objects from the stands before Biraghi was stitched up and permitted to continue.
After receiving treatment, Biraghi was cleared to play despite having reacted to being hit by sarcastically clapping the London club’s supporters.
Officials and team captains discussed for a while, and then play resumed after an announcement was made in the stadium.
An announcement was made over the PA system asking spectators to refrain from tossing cups onto the playing field.
The information was made in Prague in words that read: “Take the game and the officials seriously”.
How West Ham United reacted to the supporters’ behavior towards Cristiano Biraghi:
The London club issued a statement which reads: “West Ham United unreservedly condemns the behavior 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 offense”.
“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”.
They added: “There is no place for this kind of behavior at West Ham United”.
Fiorentina vs West Ham United in brief:
West Ham defeated Fiorentina 2-1 in the final of the Europa Conference League in Prague, thanks to a last-minute goal from Jarrod Bowen.
After 43 years without a major trophy, West Ham finally has one thanks to a goal by Bowen, who grabbed onto Lucas Paqueta’s pass and hammered home a low finish to set off wild celebrations at the Fortuna Arena.
David Moyes’ squad showed great resiliency, withstanding tremendous pressure throughout the game and then scoring in the 90th minute after Said Benrahma’s 62nd-minute penalty had been canceled out by a quickfire goal from Giacomo Bonaventura.
This is the club’s second European title, following the UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup victory in 1965, and it comes after a wait of more than four decades for major silverware.
Even though they finished in the 14th position in the English Premier League, qualification for the Europa League the following season is certain, thanks to the Europa Conference League win.
