A fundraiser has been launched for a West Ham hero of Alkmaar who fought off Dutch hooligans to protect the club’s loved ones.
West Ham’s European adventures over the last two years have been seriously eventful.
And not always just on the pitch.
The Hammers embark on their third consecutive European campaign on Thursday night against Serbian side TSC Backa Topola and hopes are high for another deep run.
West Ham are still basking in the glory of being champions of Europe following the unforgettable Europa Conference League triumph in Prague back in June.
Almost as memorable was the victory over AZ Alkmaar in the semi-final. And not just for Pablo Fornals’ brilliant last gasp solo goal to seal the tie late on over in Holland.
A moronic band of AZ Alkmaar fans tried to attack the loved ones of West Ham players and staff in the main stand.
They didn’t bank on meeting West Ham man mountain Chris ‘Knollsy’ Knoll and others who kept the AZ attack at bay just as David Moyes’ team had on the pitch.
Knollsy shot to fame in the aftermath as a result of the brave resistance and was interviewed by all manner of media outlets while receiving a standing ovation at the London Stadium when he emerged on the terraces for the 3-1 win over Leeds at the end of last season.
As humble as he is hard as nails, Chris told Mail Online he was no hero and paid tribute to other fans backing him up.
One of those other fans single-handedly took on a legion of Alkmaar hooligans as they made their way up separate flight of stairs to attack the family and friends of Hammers players and staff.
He has maintained a low profile since and has a new, very different fight on his hands.
A fundraiser has been launched for a West Ham hero of Alkmaar who fought off Dutch hooligans to protect the club’s loved ones.
The anonymous fan, who is being referred to as ‘Green Street’, has reportedly suffered a life-changing stroke.
The episode is said to have left the Alkmaar hero paralysed down the right side of his body and impacted his speech.
As a result, a group of West Ham fans have set up an online fundraising page for their fellow supporter to try and raise £50,000 for rehabilitation care and equipment.
The appeal has been endorsed and shared by the Hammers United West Ham fan group.
So far nearly £10k has been raised.
“He never took a backwards step and held off the onslaught almost singlehandedly,” a statement reads on the Just Giving page.
“He declined to be named and turned down many offers from fans that wanted to show him gratitude. He was adamant he didn’t want any fuss and wished to stay out of the limelight and remain anonymous so, for the purpose of this fundraiser, he will be referred to as GREEN T-STREET.
“He is the rock and the breadwinner for his family. He has a long and hard road ahead. Starting with getting him home with his family and then a lengthy spell of rehabilitation to try and get him walking and talking again.
“The family have recently discovered that having a family member who was described as “an immovable object” comes with some new challenges.
“£50,000 is a huge target, but the equipment is not cheap and his rehabilitation is likely to take several months, possibly years before he is able to work again. With your support, we can make this period as comfortable and progressive as possible. No donation is too small. On behalf of the family, We would like to thank you in advance for any donations received. If you are not able to donate then please like, share and pray for his speedy recovery.”
You can visit the fundraising page and make a contribution here.
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