West Ham United and Fiorentina have been charged by UEFA for the incident that happened in Prague, where West Ham United defeated the Italian side to win their first European title.
The Hammers have been charged for invading the pitch and throwing objects at Fiorentina’s Cristaino Biraghi. On the other hand, Fiorentina were charged with throwing objects and lighting up fireworks.
Disciplinary proceedings have been instigated in accordance with Article 55 of the UEFA disciplinary regulations.
Referee Carlos del Cerro Grande stopped the final in the first half after Fiorentina captain Biraghi suffered a serious head injury as a result of an object thrown into the field.
Biraghi suffered a cut to the back of his head and was quickly attended to by Fiorentina medical staff, who quickly wrapped his head with a bandage.
A message was passed over by the PA system urging the fans to stop throwing objects into the field and to respect the players of both clubs.
The West Ham fans also came into the stadium with plastic pint glasses throughout the first half. West Ham United released a statement condemning the fans for such an act.
“West Ham United unreservedly condemn the behavior of a small number of individuals who threw objects onto the pitch during tonight’s UEFA Europa Conference League Final”. The club’s statement read.
“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, meaning they will not be able to enter the stadium again.”
On June 7, 2023, it was reported that the police arrested more than 30 people after there was a breakdown of law and order in the city of Prague ahead of the Conference League final.
A group of West Ham United fans were drinking in a bar when they were attacked by a large number of men dressed in black.
After a riot broke out, other West Ham United fans arrived at the scene, but the riot police were quick to dissolve the incident.
The Czech Police confirmed that three people were injured in the riot and that a policeman was also attacked.
Eyewitnesses claimed five people were injured by the Italian fans allegedly identified as the supporters of Fiorentina.
West Ham fans were also involved in a fight against AZ Alkmaar fans in the second leg of the semi-finals of the Europa Conference League.
