West Ham fan Chis Knoll, better known as ‘Knollsy’, has appeared emotional in a new viral video of supporters chanting his name after a clash with Dutch ultras.
The 58-year-old was widely praised for coming out of harm’s way to help protect the families of the club’s players following Thursday’s Europa League win over AZ Alkmaar.
Knoll refused to let the hooded thugs reach the seating area where the players’ colleagues and children sat as he fought off the Dutch ultras alone.
The supporter dubbed ‘Alkmaar’s Angel’ received a standing ovation when he attended the Hammers’ 3-1 win over Leeds on Sunday with a huge black eye.
A new video has now been released of Noll appearing emotional as West Ham fans chant his name outside the Carpenters Arms pub, a short walk from the London Stadium.
West Ham fan Knowles was emotional as supporters chanted his name outside the Carpenters Arms pub after his heroics against Dutch ultras last week.
Dutch ultras were held back by a West Ham fan as they tried to invade the family stand
It shows scores of fans chanting “Knollsy is massive, everywhere we go” outside the pub, with Knoll at one point appearing to fight back tears.
One supporter was seen hugging the 58-year-old, while others tried to speak to him and one even knelt down to greet Noll, who has become a hero to the club’s supporters.
After West Ham’s win over Leeds, the father-of-four was spotted by fellow fans and took selfies with some of them.
He was seen smiling and in good spirits with a bruised left eye outside the London Stadium.
Fans are also reportedly chanting “We love you Knolls, we do!”
Knoll had reduced the plaudits that followed him on social media after footage of him battling at least half a dozen AK Alkmaar ultras went viral.
After that, he was photographed with a torn shirt, but still smiling.
He told Mail Sport. “I am not a hero. I just did what I had to do. There was another boy who was holding them back.
“I don’t like bullies and I just had to try to stop them.
Knowles appeared close to tears following the love shown by the West Ham fans
Noll (left) took a selfie with fans after West Ham’s 3-1 win over Leeds on Sunday.
The father of four refused to allow the hooded thugs to reach the seating area where the players’ colleagues and children were sitting.
He was seen smiling and in good spirits with a bruised left eye with fans outside the London Stadium
“I just thought that the best form of defense is to attack. You could see they were intent on causing trouble and I didn’t want them getting to those behind us.’
There have been calls for him to receive free tickets to the Europa League final and some fans have already started paying tribute to Knowles with artwork, posting pictures and drawings of his battle on social media.
West Ham and France goalkeeper Alphonse Areola called Noll a “legend” on Friday, while his wife Marion Areola Vallet added that he was the “biggest hero” of the Hammers’ historic night.
A West Ham fan who witnessed the note posted a heartfelt message of thanks and support for Knowles.
They wrote: “A little context. we were sitting behind Thilo Kerher’s girlfriend. Knowles was worried about him and walked to the top of the stairs, fending off the storming Alkmaar fans. He’s a great guy and did what he felt was right at the time. He stopped those fans.”
The post received support from other social media users who applauded Knowlsey’s actions.
Eventually, order was restored and David Moyes’ side could go away toasting a 3-1 aggregate victory, sealed by Pablo Fornals’ injury-time winner that sent West Ham into next month’s Europa Conference League final.
UEFA’s disciplinary body is set to review footage and reports from AFAS Stadium and decide what further action should be taken.
He was given a standing ovation after Thursday’s game against AZ Alkmaar for helping to protect the families of the club’s players.
Knowles is seen after the confrontation, despite his torn shirt, still smiling and looking good.
After the match, manager David Moyes said: “I cannot explain what happened and why it happened.
“The players were involved because it was the family part … that was probably the reason for the reaction.
“I don’t want it to be a bright night at all because the West Ham fans weren’t looking for trouble. I hope they (UEFA) will consider it.
“My family was there and I had friends in that area. You hope they try to talk themselves out of it… I didn’t recognize it because I was too happy.
“Security wanted to take me in, but I had to make sure my players weren’t involved.”
Some fans say the club or the players, who were so worried they tried to reach their families amid the shocking scenes in the Netherlands, should give him tickets for the final in the Czech capital Prague as a thank you for his heroics.
In the final on June 7, “West Ham” will compete with the Italian “Fiorentina”.