Surprise UEFA Decision

West Ham and Fiorentina have BOTH been charged by UEFA with the "throwing of objects" in relation to incidents at Wednesday's Europa Conference League final. Hammers have additionally been charged for its fans' "invasion of the field of play", while La Viola have also been charged with "lighting of fireworks" by UEFA who say the matter will be decided in due course.

Local Police said 23 fans were arrested in Prague, of which only ONE was a West Ham fan, the rest were Fiorentina supporters. 17 of the 22 fans of the Italian club that were detained were those 'Ultras' who attacked Hammers fans in the Tekila bar in central Prague.

Fiorentina captain Cristiano Biraghi was struck by something, probably a vape, thrown from the West Ham end in the first half of the game in Prague causing the Referee to call a temporary halt to the game while the player received treatment for a nasty gash on the back of his head.
As soon as the stupid fan threw the object it became obvious Hammers would be in for a metaphorical kicking by the powers that be, what is more of a surprise is that UEFA are actually charging Fiorentina over the alleged incidents! However, before those looking from afar think justice will be carried out fairly, they should examine video and audio footage of the Italian crowd, admittedly a very small minority, who were making Monkey noises and movements each time Mikey Antonio got the ball in the 2nd half of the game.

Throwing a Vape or what ever other object it might have been was a serious offence, Biraghim could have been more severely injured, he could have lost his sight! Therefore there can be absolutely NO sympathy for the culprit, who should receive a life ban, but neither should there be ANY tolerance of the blatant racism exhibited by the Fiorentina supporters and neither should ANY club be allowed to compete that have a known Ultra contingent with a history of causing violent disorder both in and out of grounds.

Fans and their Families are entitled to go to games without the fear of being attacked, the authorities in Europe, particularly in Spain and Italy have turned a blind eye to the actions of these Ultra groups for FAR TOO long! Are they waiting until someone is killed before they take any firm action?

Only a meaningful punishment will deter fans from such anti social and sometimes extremely dangerous behaviour, those that are innocent should be protected, but those guilty of 'football crimes' should be prosecuted and their clubs severely sanctioned.

What will UEFA decide to do regarding events before, during and after the Europa Conference League final? Next to bugger all is what we think, but don't be surprised if they throw the book at the newly crowned Champions! - Ed