After players were forced to flee the pitch in fear during the UEFA Conference League final between West Ham and Fiorentina, UEFA have charged both sides with improper conduct
European football’s ruling body, UEFA, charged both finalists, West Ham and Fiorentina, for the on-pitch madness that greeted the Europa Conference League final on Wednesday.
UEFA charge finalists for improper conduct
West Ham came away 2-1 winners after Jarrod Bowen scored a late winner to win them their first-ever European crown, but the game was marred by an ugly incident in which spectators threw objects onto the pitch.
With the game poised at a draw, the game had to be stopped as fans hurled projectiles at the players, and Fiorentina captain Christian Biraghi had to be treated after getting hit by a vape pen that was thrown at him by West Ham fans.
The game was allowed to continue, but the damage was already done, with Fiorentina’s owner branding the sad scenes on the pitch a disgrace and blaming that for the Italian side’s eventual loss.
West Ham and Fiorentina to face penalties
UEFA have swung into action following the incident and have now charged both Fiorentina and West Ham with failing to control their spectators.
Despite the one-sided nature of the injuries in the projectile-throwing incident, UEFA believe both sides are responsible for losing control of the final and have charged them accordingly.
Both sides could face fines if found guilty of the charges brought against them, with the English side expected to bear the brunt.
In addition to charges for the projectiles thrown, West Ham will also be charged for their fans’ pitch invasion, while Fiorentina will face punishment for their fans' lighting of flares in the stands.
Related content
21:57 - 08.06.2023
FOOTBALL West Ham sure, Rice will leave this window
Despite this, the young Englishman has etched his name in West Ham's history books, becoming only the third captain to lift a trophy for the club.
11:41 - 07.06.2023
Edu speaks on Arsenal’s transfer amid Declan Rice transfer link
Arsenal sporting director Edu Gasper has spoken about bringing in new signings to the club after an impressive 2022/2023 season.
18:20 - 04.06.2023
West Ham line up summer move for Manchester United winger
Europa Conference League finalists West Ham are reportedly interested in signing Manchester United youngster Amad Diallo on loan for next season.
23:05 - 30.05.2023
WATCH: This goal was voted most powerful in the Premier League in the 2022/23 season
West Ham's Said Benrahma's stunning goal against Crystal Palace has been voted the most powerful goal of the season
14:13 - 08.06.2023
We have won more titles than Tottenham - Young West Ham fan tearfully pokes fun at Spurs after ECL win
A young West Ham fan went viral as he heaped praises on his team after winning the Europa Conference League, but in his interview, he poked fun at Tottenham.
22:46 - 07.06.2023
Fiorentina vs West Ham: Hammers break 43 year jinx, win ECL final in style
West Ham are the new winners of the 2023 Europa Conference League, their first trophy in 43 years.