Chis Knoll, better known as ‘Knollsy,’ who battled the Alkmaar ultras who tried to invade the hospitality area at the end of our winning semi final, has been rewarded with a coveted ticket for the Hammers first European final in 47 years.
The father-of-four, dubbed the ‘Angel of Alkmaar’, said he was nearly reduced to tears when he heard the news, which followed a request by Claret and Hugh, Mail Online and various other media outlets to West Ham United.
Nobody could deserve it more for the June 7th Euro Conference Final against Fiorentina in Prague at the home stadium of Tomas Soucek and Vladi Coufal.
And Knollsy said: ‘I am at work and when I got the call today, I nearly cried. I am, so pleased, so happy. I am made up.’
The 58 year old Hammers fans has become a legend at the London Stadium among West Ham’s faithful following and was desperately seeking a ticket like many other thousands of anxious supporters. He said a club official who he had met during West Ham’s match with AK Alkmaar in Holland last Thursday, called him personally.
She said she was sitting two rows behind me and saw what happened. She said I had been very courageous and that I deserved a ticket.
He added: ‘It’s ironic that she was the one who phoned me today. I remember joking with her earlier about whether she could get me a ticket if we got to the final. I know how difficult it is to get a ticket. I am so happy at this.’
‘What a reception, a standing ovation, my own song and I never bought a single beer. It took me the best part of a hour to walk half way around the stadium at the end of the game on Sunday.
Many thanks to you, Hugh, Mail Online and the other media outlets who put in a good word for Knollsy to be given a ticket for the Final. This is a real feel good piece of news for many of us Hammers fans who very much appreciate what Chris Knoll did to protect family and friends of the West Ham players and staff. He put himself on the line with courage, at the risk of his own safety. He might not think he is a hero but he is! Well done Knollsy, you get my vote for Supporter Of The Year!