Fiorentina skipper Cristiano Biraghi was hit on the head with a cup thrown by fans of West Ham United during his team's 2-1 loss in the Europa Conference League final in Prague on Wednesday, June 8. The incident took place 30 minutes into the game when Biraghi was going to take a corner.
In a report by Sky Sports, “Plastic pint glasses were hurled from the West Ham end throughout the first half at the Eden Arena in Prague. Referee Carlos del Cerro Grande eventually halted play after Fiorentina captain Cristiano Biraghi was hit by another object as he went to take a corner just after the half-hour mark. Biraghi suffered a cut to the back of his head and required treatment and a bandage.
Biraghi then turned around and sarcastically clapped at the fans, while players from the English club went up to their fans and requested them to stop with the hooliganism and let them complete the match.
It was a very closely fought final between two teams who have had tough seasons in their respective country's football leagues. Fiorentina finished eighth, just outside the European spots, while West Ham were stuck in 14th on the league table.
After a goalless first half, Said Benrahma gave his team the lead in the 62nd minute from the penalty spot. But just five minutes later, Giacomo Bonaventura scored in the 67th minute of the match to level the score at 1-1.
With the match seemingly entering into extra-time, Jarrod Bowen scored for West Ham United in the 90th minute as the Hammers went on to win the match 2-1.
It was West Ham United's first major trophy in 43 years as well as their first major European trophy since 1965.
After the incident, West Ham issued a statement promising to take action against anyone found to have committed an offence and ban them from attending matches at the London Stadium.
“West Ham United unreservedly condemn the behaviour of a small number of individuals who threw objects onto the pitch during tonight’s UEFA Europa Conference League final,” said the statement. “We will work with the police and other stakeholders to review the incidents and act against anyone found guilty of an offence," it added.
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