May 24, (THEWILL) – Authorities in the Netherlands have reported that 26 individuals involved in the recent assault on family and friends of West Ham United players have come forward to the police.
While seven suspects have been detained, an additional 10 individuals remain at large, according to Dutch media sources. Dutch law enforcement used a televised program on Tuesday to appeal for public assistance in identifying the hooligans responsible for the attack, revealing images of the suspects involved in the violent incident that occurred after the Europa Conference League semifinal second leg between AZ Alkmaar and West Ham United.
Initially, Dutch police had identified 24 supporters as suspects in the premeditated assault that took place at the AZ Stadium in Alkmaar following the home team’s loss. The number of individuals involved has since increased, with more people than previously thought reporting to the police. Despite this development, 10 individuals from the initial list of 24 remain sought after by authorities.
In an effort to expedite their investigation, police had set a deadline for those involved to come forward or risk having their images shared on the national television programme “Opsporing Verzocht” (that translates to “Investigation Requested”), which broadcasts appeals to identify criminals captured on camera. According to a police spokesperson, some individuals who were not initially suspected of direct involvement feared that they may appear in the circulated photos.
On Tuesday, images from security cameras showing 10 men connected to the attacks were broadcasted on television and made available on the programme’s website. The incident, in which home supporters breached a fence and assaulted West Ham fans, including players’ family members, has been strongly condemned by Alkmaar, who characterised the actions of their supporters as “shameful.”
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
