By CandH’s top blogger Allen Cummings
I have to say I feared the worse when the cries went up: “We’re all going on a European Tour”.
There was obvious euphoria of all West Ham supporters, that our club was finally back in Europe by winning a place in the Europa League ans equal delight we had risen above that newly-formed competition for also rans – the Europa Conference League).
But I had serious concerns there could be problems.
I’m old enough to remember the heady days of the 60’s and 70’s. That night in 1965 when we produced what many at the time labelled the perfect football performance to carry off the European Cup Winners’ Cup – a Wembley experience I will never forget.
Eleven years later almost repeating that feat, but eventually losing 4-2 to Anderlecht in the Heysel final. Europe can be such an exciting place to play football.
We have barely flirted with genuine European football since then – until now of course – when we find ourselves back on our travels.
But a European Tour to some is not just about football, and the special challenge of taking on teams from other nations. It’s what goes with it that seems to appeal to a few even more.
The opportunity for all the accompanying jingoism – the pre and post-match partying – the chance to strut their stuff on some distant foreign soil.
When that volatile cocktail comes together wrong choices are made and the consequences are inevitable.
No-one could dispute UEFA’s appalling handling of the events around their ban for what occurred in Genk on November 4th. The timing, or lack of it, shows a complete absence or appreciation of how things work within their own competition.
To take 12 days over their deliberations for what happened in Belgium, then deliver what was a non-negotiable, damning verdict just eight days before the next round, and chosen ‘penalty’ game, is unforgivable.
We’re told they informed West Ham to ‘stop selling tickets’ for the match at the time their verdict was delivered on the 16th November. Were they totally oblivious to the fact all our allocation had been gobbled up instantaneously almost two weeks before – by the 3rd November? What planet do these people live on?
Having said all that in criticism of UEFA, we shouldn’t ignore the real reason for this problem in the first place – The ticketless 150 or so – who allegedly forced their way into the ground by violent and illegal means. If that hadn’t have happened, what has followed would be superfluous.
I saw talk of some fans unbelievably still planning to go to Vienna – with all the consequences that threw up. But that particular option appears to be off the table now thank goodness, with the Austrian lockdown now about to come into force, and the game itself likely to be played behind closed doors.
Winning a place in Europe was a magnificent achievement by David Moyes’ team. They are obviously grateful for the official support they’ve had on their travels so far, and desperately want that to continue. But UEFA are watching – and waiting.
They will be down on West Ham like a ton of bricks at the first opportunity. The fans were the target this time – although the accompanying £30,000 fine for the club isn’t insignificant.
I sincerely hope some of our supporters realise next time it might be the team who will be punished for their mindless actions. For goodness sake wake up, smell the coffee and behave!