Robbie Savage makes Chris Knoll fan of the season after West Ham United heroics
Robbie Savage has declared West Ham supporter Chris Knoll as Fan of the Season.
The lifelong Hammers follower, known affectionately as ‘Knollsy’, earned praise for defending fellow supporters from AZ Alkmaar ultras in the second leg of their Europa Conference League tie.
He was later photographed with a black eye, and earned a standing ovation from West Ham fans when they played Leeds United at the London Stadium last Sunday (21 May).
In the Mirror (May 27, page 61), BT Sport pundit Savage wrote: “FAN OF THE SEASON: Chris Knoll (West Ham) – Let’s just say if you know what he did, you’ll know why I’m commending him.”
‘Knollsy’ a hero
You never, ever want to see the sort of unsavoury scenes that were on display during the fixture at the AFASs Stadium.
It should have been a memorable night for the Hammers’ faithful, who saw their side earn a 3-1 aggregate victory to progress to the final in the Czech Republic.
Instead, the ugly scenes were what dominated the headlines but in among the chaos one supporter stood out for some heroic actions.
That man was Knollsy, who put his own personal safety at risk to fight off an unruly mob and protect others around him from being harmed.
It is a shame, obviously, that his actions were required in the first place – no matter how emotional football can be, fighting in the stands are scenes that should have been left behind decades ago.
But for the fact they were required, Savage is absolutely spot on – ‘Knollsy’ is the undoubted Fan of the Year.