West Ham United said they have identified two individuals who allegedly attacked two German radio commentators during Thursday's 2-1 home defeat to Eintracht Frankfurt in the first leg of their Europa League semifinal.
Reporters Philipp Hofmeister and Tim Brockmeier, who work for German regional broadcaster Hessischer Rundfunk, said they were attacked by West Ham supporters after Michail Antonio scored in the 21st minute to level the game at 1-1.
They added that they were then moved to other seats at halftime.
Thanks a lot. We are doing okay. Best wishes to all West Ham supporters who love football and respect their opponents.
— Phil Hofmeister (@thehopemaster) April 28, 2022
West Ham said they had identified two offenders following a "thorough internal investigation."
"As well as continuing our own investigation, in line with our zero-tolerance approach, the offenders' details have also been passed onto the police, who will now conduct their own investigation," a spokesperson for the Premier League club 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."
Some incredibly special atmospheres in our #UEL matches at London Stadium this season.
Last night was another one ❤️Your support means everything. We go again in Germany pic.twitter.com/gjnDqUBjIN
— West Ham United (@WestHam) April 29, 2022
Hofmeister wrote on Twitter that they were "doing okay."
"Best wishes to all West Ham supporters who love football and respect their opponents," he added.
West Ham, who are seventh in the Premier League, host Arsenal in the league on Sunday before travelling to Frankfurt for the return leg next week.
(Reporting by Aadi Nair in Bengaluru; Editing by Peter Rutherford and Toby Davis)
