West Ham identify two offenders following alleged attack on German commentators

By Sports Desk April 29, 2022

West Ham have identified two offenders responsible for the alleged attack on two German commentators during Thursday's Europa League clash with Eintracht Frankfurt.

The alleged incident at the London Stadium is said to have taken place after Michail Antonio had equalised 21 minutes into the semi-final first-leg tie.

German outlet Bild reported during the match that the commentators, who were working for ARD, had their headsets ripped off and were punched several times.

West Ham believe they have found those responsible and have threatened the pair with lifetime bans if found guilty.

"In line with our zero-tolerance approach, the offenders' details have been passed onto the police, who will now conduct their own investigation," a West Ham spokesperson said.

"If the offenders are found guilty, they will be given an indefinite ban and not be permitted to enter London Stadium, nor travel with the club. 

"Behaviour of this kind is unacceptable and will not be tolerated at West Ham United."

Frankfurt won the game 2-1 in London thanks to goals from Ansgar Knauff and Daichi Kamada either side of Antonio's close-range finish.

The return leg takes place at Deutsche Bank Park next Thursday, with the winners to face either RB Leipzig or Rangers in next month's final in Seville.

 

Related items

  • Portsmouth 0-3 West Brom: Baggies go top by routing Pompey Portsmouth 0-3 West Brom: Baggies go top by routing Pompey

    West Brom went top of the early-season Championship table with a comfortable 3-0 win at Portsmouth on Sunday, with Alex Mowatt scoring twice.

    Mowatt struck twice in the second half after Josh Maja had given Carlos Corberan's men an early lead at Fratton Park, as Portsmouth's wait for a first win of the season continued.

    Maja needed just 54 seconds to put Albion ahead, slamming home for his fifth goal of the season after Tom Fellows got to the byline to cut it back.

    The visitors started the second half almost as quickly as they began the first, doubling their lead on 51 minutes as Mowatt curled home left-footed following fine combination play from John Swift and Karlan Grant.

    If Mowatt's first goal was good, his second was outstanding as he capped the result in stoppage time, whipping a free-kick into the top-right corner to give Norris no chance.

    West Brom's fourth win of the season sees them move one point clear of Sunderland at the summit, while Portsmouth slip to 23rd, only taking three points since their promotion from League One.

    Data Debrief: Maja out on his own

    Maja's fifth goal of the season took him one clear at the top of the Championship's scoring charts, ahead of Blackburn Rovers' Yulo Ohashi, Oxford United's Mark Harris and Millwall's Duncan Watmore (all four).

    Maja was certainly busy on Sunday, attempting more shots (six) and accumulating more expected goals (1.03 xG) than anyone else on the pitch, while also laying on one chance.

  • Tottenham 0-1 Arsenal: Gabriel snatches derby-day win Tottenham 0-1 Arsenal: Gabriel snatches derby-day win

    Gabriel Magalhaes scored the decisive goal as Arsenal got back to winning ways with a 1-0 victory over Tottenham on Sunday.

    The defender netted the only goal of the contest after 64 minutes, punishing Spurs for a lapse in concentration from a corner as he drifted away from Cristian Romero to thump in Bukayo Saka's pinpoint cross.

    The hosts had the better chances in the first half, through Dejan Kulusevski and Dominic Solanke, but were thwarted by David Raya's saves and some disappointing misses.

    Despite Spurs' search for a late equaliser, Arsenal were able to hold out for the win and maintain their unbeaten start to the Premier League season.

    Mikel Arteta's side are up to second in the table on 10 points, while Spurs are 13th after suffering their second defeat of the campaign.

    Data Debrief: Set-piece specialists

    Arsenal have a knack for scoring from set-pieces, and they proved their prowess once more thanks to Gabriel's towering finish. 

    It is the 23rd goal Arsenal have scored from set-pieces (excluding penalties) since the start of last season, more than any other side, while three of their last four Premier League goals against Spurs have come from corners.

    The Gunners secured a sixth consecutive away league win, their best streak since a run of eight between March and September 2013 under Arsene Wenger. They have also now won three consecutive away North London derbies for the first time since September 1988.

  • Luis Enrique lauds Dembele display ahead of Champions League opener Luis Enrique lauds Dembele display ahead of Champions League opener

    Luis Enrique showered praise on Paris Saint-Germain forward Ousmane Dembele after his brace kept the defending champions perfect in Ligue 1. 

    Dembele netted either side of Fabian Ruiz's 73rd-minute strike in PSG's 3-1 win over Brest on Saturday, having overcome Romain Del Castillo's opener. 

    The Frenchman has already scored as many goals in four league matches this season as he did in 26 encounters last season (three). 

    Dembele has also scored two headed goals this term, as many as in 211 career league games before that.

    He also recorded the most shots on target (five) and touches in the opposition box (12) on Saturday, with his expected goals (xG) tally of 0.76 only bettered by midfielder Marco Asensio (1.08). 

    "I didn't realise he scored two goals, it was a difficult match against a tough team," Luis Enrique said. 

    "The least important thing is that he scored two goals, we had many chances for several players to score.

    "I've been a Dembele admirer for many years, he's a different player, he comes out on the left and on the right, he has a change of pace, he's intelligent.

    "When you are lucky enough to have players of the quality I have, it's a pleasure and a privilege."

    PSG kickstart their quest for Champions League glory on Wednesday when they welcome Girona to the Parc des Princes. 

    Luis Enrique was able to rest the likes of Marquinhos, Asensio and Achraf Hakimi ahead of their meeting with the Catalan side, something he was grateful for. 

    "Versatility is what makes this squad, of course you miss some players," he said. 

    "But I have seen the same ability to play, we are a young team full of desire and hunger, it's a wonderful feeling.

    "We were able to rest several players, but [Lucas] Beraldo and [Milan] Skriniar were sensational.

    "Fabian is in great shape as last season and at the Euros, Lee Kang-in was superb, Joao Neves great in attack and defence.

    "I am very fortunate to have this kind of team. The goal is that everyone wants to keep winning titles."

© 2024 SportsMaxTV All Rights Reserved.