West Ham probes report that fans hit German commentators

By: The Associated Press Posted: 4:27 AM CDT Friday, Apr. 29, 2022

LONDON (AP) — West Ham is investigating allegations that two German radio journalists were attacked by home fans at London Stadium while broadcasting the Europa League semifinal match between the Premier League club and Eintracht Frankfurt.

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Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 29/04/2022 (1610 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

German newspaper Bild said fans seated behind the commentators punched them and pulled a headset off one of them during Thursday night’s first leg, which Frankfurt won 2-1.

The ARD commentators had said on air that they were attacked after Michail Antonio equalized for West Ham, which had conceded a goal in the first minute of play. At halftime, the pair were moved to a different broadcasting position in the media section.

West Ham's fans support their team before the Europa League semi final, first leg soccer match between West Ham United and Eintracht Frankfurt, at the London Stadium, in London, Thursday, April 28, 2022. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth)

It was not known if they required medical attention.

West Ham condemned the behavior and said it was investigating.

“In line with our zero-tolerance approach, anyone identified will have their details passed to the police,” the club said. “They will be given an indefinite ban and be unable to enter London Stadium and travel with the club. There is no place for this kind of behavior.”