During Eintracht Frankfurt’s Europa League match at West Ham United, two ARD radio reporters were attacked by Hammers supporters. Both are fine.
The feared clashes between groups of fans apparently did not occur on Thursday evening during the Europa League semi-final first leg between West Ham United and Eintracht Frankfurt (1:2). However, a different incident caused bewilderment.
The two ARD radio reporters Tim Brockmeier and Philipp Hofmeister were physically attacked by supporters of the hosts shortly after West Ham’s interim 1-1 equaliser in the 21st minute of the match.
“We were attacked from behind by the English fans. They threw down Tim’s headset,” Hofmeister reported during the live broadcast. “We are shocked,” said Brockmeier. “I have never experienced anything like that.” Later, the latter wrote on Twitter that there had been “multiple punches to the back of the head, neck, back. “
West Ham announces consequences – “Hessischer Rundfunk” criticises Hammers
Brockmeier thanked the media staff of both clubs “who really got us to safety at the break, had to get us there”. The duo commented on the second half from a different seat. “Mentally it was difficult afterwards,” said Hofmeister, who later tweeted, “We’re fine. Best wishes to all West Ham fans who love football and respect their opponents.”
The Premier League club condemned the incident and announced consequences. “We will work to track down the perpetrators,” a club spokesman said. “They will receive an indefinite ban and will not be allowed to enter the London Stadium or travel with the club. There is no place for such behaviour.”
Gabriele Holzner, the programme director of “Hessischer Rundfunk”, for which Brockmeier and Hofmeister were on duty on Thursday, also voiced criticism. “A football stadium is not a lawless space,” Holzner said in a statement from the broadcaster. “We expect the organising club to create conditions for reporters of the visiting team as well, so that they can do their job without fear of assault. “
