West Ham hero ‘Knollsy’ ready to rumble if violence repeated in Prague

West Ham fan ‘Knollsy’ has joked he is ready to be the hero in the stands once again – should further violence break out at the UEFA Conference League final in Prague. The Hammers fanatic secured cult-hero status following the semi-final triumph over AZ Alkmaar in Holland when he protected the families of the West Ham players from a vicious attack from Dutch ultras inside the stadium.

‘Knollsy’, whose real name is Chris Knoll, fought off the rival supporters while receiving a number of blows to the face for his troubles.

AZ Alkmaar have since issued 43 stadium bans following the violence while ‘Knollsy’ was handed a ticket to Prague for his heroic actions that undoubtedly prevented further injuries.

He has since told The Mail from Prague: “I hope there’s no trouble here, because I might have to do it all again.”

The diehard Irons fan is hoping to see his side lift their first trophy since 1980 when they lifted the FA Cup.

West Ham have not won a European trophy since they beat Bayern Munich in the final of the European Cup Winners’ Cup on home soil in 1965.

Now David Moyes’ men are daring to dream after an underwhelming season in the Premier League despite finishing the campaign strongly.

‘Knollsy’ is already soaking up the atmosphere and he believes there is a special atmosphere building ahead of the showpiece.

“I am actually here, and it feels incredible,” he added as he embraced the warm reception he received from West Ham supporters.

“I just got mobbed by West Ham fans as I came off the train, and that means more to me than anything. I have to say it again, but I only did what would’ve been expected.

“There were women and children and they could’ve been attacked. I acted instinctively, although I had a feeling there was something bad in the air before.”

The dad of four was left with heavy swelling around his eye following his brave battle with the Dutch thugs in Alkmaar.

He earned a standing ovation and applause just a few days later when he was present at the London Stadium for West Ham’s 3-1 win over Leeds United.

Now ‘Knollsy’ is widely recognised as West Ham royalty as the Hammers seek to make history in the Czech Republic where they face an awkward Fiorentina side that have scored goals for fun throughout the tournament.

La Viola ran out 3-1 winners over Basel in Switzerland in the first leg of the semi-final before suffering a 2-1 home defeat in Florence in the return leg.

But they come into the final on the back of two straight victories in Serie A over Roma and Sassuolo having narrowly lost the Coppa Italia final 2-1 to Inter.