Staff Reporter.
UEFA have announced they are investigating a number of potential breaches of their rules during the Europa Conference League final, with West Ham facing two charges.
It was a night to remember for West Ham supporters after their side lifted their first European trophy in 58 years thanks to a late winner from Jarrod Bowen in their 2-1 win over Fiorentina, following goals from Said Benhrama and Giacomo Bonaventura.
Both clubs have been charged with “throwing of objects” while the Hammers have also been punished for “invasion of the field of play”.
Fiorentina captain Cristiano Biraghi was struck on the head by something thrown from the West Ham end in the first half of the game in Prague.
“Disciplinary proceedings have been instigated in accordance with Article 55 of the UEFA Disciplinary Regulations (DR) following the UEFA Europa Conference League final match between ACF Fiorentina and West Ham United FC (1-2) played on 7 June 2023 in Prague, Czechia,” a statement from the organisation read.
“Charges against ACF Fiorentina: 1) Throwing of objects, Art. 16(2)(b); 2) Lighting of fireworks, Art. 16(2)(c). Charges against West Ham United FC: 1) Invasion of the field of play, Art. 16(2)(a); 2) Throwing of objects, Art. 16(2)(b). The UEFA Control, Ethics and Disciplinary Body (CEDB) will decide on the matter in due course.”
The second charge relates to Fiorentina captain Cristiano Biraghi getting hit by cups of beer during the first-half of the final. West Ham quickly condemned the incident and insisted that any person identified as throwing objects would face an indefinite ban.
“West Ham United unreservedly condemn the behaviour of a small number of individuals who threw objects onto the pitch during tonight’s UEFA Europa Conference League final,” the Premier League club said in a statement.
“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.
“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.”
Police said 23 fans were arrested in Prague. One was a West Ham fan, the rest supporting Fiorentina.
Fiorentina fans attacked West Ham fans in a bar in central Prague, with 17 of the 22 fans of the Italian club detained over that incident.
Compiled by Lehlohonolo Lehana.