West Ham fans attacked in Spain ahead of Europa League clash
West Ham fans seemed to be involved in a violent clash with the supporters of Eintracht Frankfurt ahead of their Europa League clash against Sevilla.
The German side were in Spain where they defeated Real Betis 2-1 on Wednesday night. The Hammers fans have arrived early in the city ahead of Thursday’s Europa League clash against Sevilla.
Disturbing footage emerged on Wednesday as Frankfurt and West Ham fans clashed violently in the centre of the city.
TalkSport journalist, Ian Abrahams posted a video on Twitter that clearly suggests some “trouble” was going on. He wrote: “There was some trouble in Seville tonight, from what I’m told instigated by Eintracht Frankfurt fans.”
Unwanted
According to a report from Claret and Hugh, the German football fans turned up in masks with poles, chairs and bottles, and targeted the Hammers fans in Spain.
This was simply unwanted as Frankfurt fans have no business with the Hammers regarding this tie. It was clear that the ultras formed a larger group before a co-ordinated confrontation.
It is not clear what exactly transpired this trouble between the two sets of fans outside the Irish bar in Sevilla.
When Spanish police tried to prevent the violence, ‘rubber bullets’ were used, as reported by The Telegraph.
This is nothing new. Trouble on the continent involving English clubs has become a common feature in recent years.
Man City and Chelsea fans clashed with Portuguese police ahead of last season’s Champions League final in Porto.
Likewise, Liverpool fans were attacked by AC Milan supporters ahead of their group stage meeting back in December.
In other West Ham news, Europa League opponents Sevilla are also struggling with injuries as eight senior stars are ruled out.
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