WEST HAM fan Chis Knoll “nearly cried” when the membership provided him a ticket for the Europa Conference League Ultimate after combating off thugs at AZ Alkmaar.
Knoll, who is best referred to as Knollsy, was on the stands within the semi-finals when the Hammers beat AZ 1-0 and confirmed their place within the remaining in opposition to Fiorentina on June 7.
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Soccer hooligans attacked the away finish the place family members and buddies of the gamers in addition to teaching workers had been seated after the full-time whistle.
Nonetheless, the 58-year-old stood as much as the yobs and fought dozens of them similtaneously he defended the group’s family members.
Knollsy’s defiance was caught on digicam and he shortly reached celeb standing among the many West Ham trustworthy, who now dub him the “Angel of Alkmaar”.
That have did not scare Knoll off as he was determined to discover a ticket for the ultimate in Prague.
And a membership official he met earlier than the AZ sport known as him up and gave him one without cost to thank him for shielding the group’s households.
Dad-of-four Knollsy instructed The Mail: “I am at work and when I got the call today, I nearly cried. I am, so pleased, so happy. I am made up.”
He added: “She [club official] mentioned she was sitting two rows behind me and noticed what occurred. She mentioned I had been very brave and that I deserved a ticket.
“It is ironic that she was the one who phoned me right now. I bear in mind joking together with her earlier about whether or not she might get me a ticket if we received to the ultimate.
“I know how difficult it is to get a ticket. I am so happy at this.”
Knollsy obtained a standing ovation from the house crowd on Sunday earlier than West Ham’s remaining sport of the season at London Stadium in opposition to Leeds.
Knoll revealed it took him over an hour to go away the stadium as fellow followers expressed their gratitude for his bravery within the Netherlands.
Knollsy mentioned: “What a reception, a standing ovation, my very own tune and I by no means purchased a single beer.
“It took me the perfect a part of an hour to stroll half approach across the stadium on the finish of the sport on Sunday.
“I used to be made to really feel just like the folks’s champion. I observed the quantity of girls thanking me for taking care of their households. I am on the crest of a wave for the time being’.