Inspirational West Ham figure paralyzed after confronting Dutch hooligans – supporters unite

When the West Ham Hammers played AZ in the Conference League last season, a brave supporter who assisted in shielding fans from a gang of Dutch hooligans was rendered paralyzed.

West Ham's Brave Fan Gets Paralysed While Working
Image via Getty Images

A West Ham enthusiast who shielded fellow fans from a group of Dutch hooligans now faces paralysis due to a stroke.

Disturbing incidents of violence erupted in the stands after the Hammers’ victory over AZ Alkmaar in the Europa Conference League in May. A gang of Dutch ultras aggressively infiltrated the away section at the AFAS Stadion, seeking confrontation.

Viral videos captured the courageous actions of several West Ham supporters who stood their ground against the hooligans, with one of them known as ‘Knollsy.’

Another valiant West Ham fan, recognized as ‘Green T-Street’ for his battle against AZ Alkmaar fans while wearing a green top, is currently hospitalized after suffering a stroke at his workplace.

This anonymous individual, who has a young family, has received support from a group of well-wishers who have initiated a fundraising campaign to help cover his medical expenses.

The fundraising goal is set at £50,000, intended for the acquisition of the necessary rehabilitation care and equipment, as well as ensuring the financial stability of his young family. As of the latest update, just over £13,000 has been raised.

The fundraiser description conveys, “It’s Just three months on from his heroic act during West Ham’s semi-final vs AZ Alkmaar. The mysterious legend in the green t-shirt has found himself in a life-changing situation.

“While out working, he suffered a stroke. It comes with great sadness and a heavy heart to say that this great, strong man is now paralysed on the right side of his body and it has drastically effected his speech.”

The description also mentions that doctors express confidence that, with the right care and support, he can regain full health, although this process may take several months or even years.

Describing his heroics, the fundraiser page states, “The AZ Alkmaar ultras broke through a fence and began what can only be described as a potentially brutal attack on a small contingent of West Ham family members and fans. He never took a backwards step and held off the onslaught almost single-handedly.”

“He is the family’s rock and the breadwinner. He has a long and hard road ahead. Starting with getting him home with his family and then a lengthy spell of rehabilitation to try and get him walking and talking again.”

Knollsy, who displayed similar acts of heroism on that fateful day, earned the nickname ‘the Angel of Alkmaar’ for his role in repelling the fans trying to breach the away section, where family and friends of West Ham players were seated.”

West Ham United performance and stats

West Ham United

Manager: David Moyes
Rank 9th
Win 13
Draw 10
Loss 12
Goals 56-65
Diff -9
Rank 1st
Win 5
Draw 0
Loss 1
Goals 10-4
Diff 6

West Ham United is currently 9th in the Premier League with 14 points.

In the last 10 games, it has won 4 times, drawn twice, and lost 4 times. In its last match, West Ham United lost 0-1 against Everton.​​

It has a negative goal difference after scoring 16 goals and conceding 17.​

West Ham United will play the next match in Premier League against Brentford on Saturday 4th of November in Brentford. The prediction is Brentford winning the match.​

AZ performance and stats

AZ

Manager: Maarten Martens
Rank 4th
Win 17
Draw 7
Loss 7
Goals 62-35
Diff 27
Rank 3rd
Win 2
Draw 0
Loss 4
Goals 7-12
Diff -5

AZ is currently 2nd in the Eredivisie with 25 points.

In the last 9 games, it has won 8 times and drawn once. In its last match, AZ won 3-0 against SC Heerenveen.​​

It has a positive goal difference after scoring 25 goals and conceding 4.​

AZ will play the next match in Eredivisie against Excelsior on Saturday 4th of November in Rotterdam. The prediction is AZ winning the match.​