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West Ham are honouring the bravery of a cult-hero fan by handing him a ticket for their Europa Conference League final.
Chris Knolls, better known as Knollsy, was the subject of mass adulation from supporters after heroically defending the family stand from hooded thugs in the wake of the Hammers' semi-final second leg victory over AZ Alkmaar. After defeating the Dutch outfit 3-1 on aggregate, waves of ultras swarmed the players' family and friends section at the AFAS Stadium, where Knollsy vied to fend off the attackers.
The father of four has since been crowned 'The Angel of Alkmaar' for his courageous actions in guarding the young section, where the players' families were also housed, and the moment has even earned a bespoke painting from east London artist Canning Town Len.
READ MORE: West Ham fans chant X-rated Dani Dyer song as she does lap of pitch with Jarrod Bowen
Knollys' selfless act received a warm round of applause from supporters at the London Stadium on Sunday as West Ham sealed a 3-1 win against Leeds United. And the club have now shown their appreciation by handing him a coveted ticket for the Hammers' first European final in 47 years.
"I am at work and when I got the call today, I nearly cried. I am, so pleased, so happy. I am made up," Knollsy told the Daily Mail. "I know how difficult it is to get a ticket. I am so happy at this."
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It has been a roller coaster of emotions for Knollsy since fending off the AZ Alkmaar hoodlums and the electrician is now a minor celebrity at the London Stadium.
Knollsy added: "What a reception, a standing ovation, my own song and I never bought a single beer. It took me the best part of a hour to walk halfway around the stadium at the end of the game on Sunday.
"I was made to feel like the people's champion. I noticed the amount of women thanking me for looking after their families. I'm on the crest of a wave at the moment."
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- West Ham FC
- Premier League
- Europa League
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