Alphonse Areola, the goalkeeper of West Ham United, expressed his deep concern over the distressing events that unfolded following the team's victory over AZ Alkmaar on Thursday night.
 Despite the Hammers securing a 1-0 win at the AFAS Stadion and earning a spot in the Europa Conference League final against Fiorentina in Prague next month, the joy of reaching their first European final in 47 years was marred by disturbing incidents at the end of the match.
After the final whistle, a group of AZ fans breached a fence and attempted to attack individuals seated in the family and VIP section of the stadium, where many of the West Ham players' families were situated. Lucas Paqueta, Said Benrahma, Flynn Downes, Aaron Cresswell, and Michail Antonio were among the players who were pictured going over the barricade in an effort to defuse the situation.
Areola, who has started in all 14 of West Ham's matches in the competition this season, revealed that he had family members in that section and expressed his worry about their safety. He emphasized the paramount importance of security in a stadium, particularly during such events, and acknowledged the team's concern for their families.
The goalkeeper stated, "We were very worried about our families. It's just about security, and it was a bit too open for the opposing fans. Thankfully, they managed to stop them. When families or fans come to the stadium, we don't want to see things like that. They want to enjoy the event, and we want to enjoy it with them as well. We were worried about them."
West Ham's victory came in dramatic fashion, with substitute Pablo Fornals scoring a brilliant goal shortly after coming off the bench. Fornals won a tackle near the halfway line, skillfully nutmegged AZ captain Jordy Clasie, and fired a shot past former Arsenal and Brighton and Hove Albion goalkeeper Mathew Ryan. The goal marked Fornals' sixth of the season in all competitions, three of which were scored in European matches. However, Fornals' celebrations were delayed as he had to undergo a doping test immediately after the game.
Areola expressed his happiness for Fornals and commended him on his crucial goal, despite not being able to celebrate with him in the locker room due to the doping test. The goalkeeper personally congratulated Fornals and thanked him for his contribution to the team's achievement of reaching the final.
"I'm really happy for him," Areola remarked. "It was a tough game tonight, a close game, and he came in and scored. He was unlucky to be chosen for the doping test, so he wasn't with us celebrating in the locker room. I went to him and said well done, thank you for your goal because it helped us reach that final."
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