The British press wrote that the victory of the Londoners was “stolen” by supporters from Austria.
“The focus should actually have been on West Ham,” writes the British Guardian . The team “didn't deserve” their three points being “stolen” by Rapid's supporters. The English quality newspaper, which is actually rather reserved, had a bad word for the fans from Austria. “Rapids supporters were more interested in arguing than supporting their 'limited' team.
The Daily Mirror and the Daily Mail write of “ugly scenes”.
Even before the kick-off there were “troubles”, writes the Sun. The guest fans had “started” to turn West Ham fans against them even before a light show. When it got dark after the show, several bottles are said to have flown back and forth between the two sectors, which were separated from each other by a three-meter gap and a wide advertising banner.
“Coins, cups, bottles” flew from the West Ham sector after the fans provoked each other, reports a Rapid supporter who traveled with them. A huge water canister changed sides several times. Where it originally came from was initially unclear.
After Declan Rice's 1-0 win, the situation escalated. “Mocking” cheers on the one hand (Copyright Sun), anger on the other. More objects flew, stewards intervened. “30 to 40 fans who traveled with us tried to break through.” Many from the “small contingent of Viennese fans” are said to have tried to penetrate the home fan sector, writes the Daily Mail. They were pushed back by stewards with the help of the police.
After the final whistle, the visiting fans had to wait in the sector as usual until the stadium was empty. “Many” of them are said to have “mindlessly” argued with the police. A Rapid fan is said to have been arrested.
The Guardian believes that there will be no getting around a UEFA investigation. However, there could be sanctions for West Ham as the home team.
