West Ham charged by UEFA as Fiorentina ace left bloodied in cup final victory

West Ham have been charged with two separate offences following their victory over Fiorentina in the Europa Conference League final on Wednesday night in Prague. Supporters of the Premier League outfit came under fire from all around Europe after a fan threw an object onto the pitch that struck Cristiano Biraghi in the head and led to him needing medical treatment.

It was a night to remember for West Ham supporters after their side lifted their first European trophy in 58 years thanks to a late winner from Jarrod Bowen in their 2-1 win over Fiorentina, following goals from Said Benhrama and Giacomo Bonaventura.

Though the Hammers have not left the Fortuna Arena flawlessly, with UEFA recently announcing that they are charging the club with two separate offences. Unsurprisingly, the London side were charged with throwing objects (Art 16 2 b) due to the incident involving Biraghi that saw him have to wear a purple headband for the remainder of the final.

They were also charged with the invasion of play (Art 16 2 a). Fiorentina have also been charged with two different offences, with throwing objects similarly being addressed by UEFA.

The Serie A side were also charged with the lighting of fireworks (Art 16 2c) within the stands, with UEFA announcing  that ‘disciplinary proceedings’ have been instigated and the Control, Ethics and Disciplinary Body will have their say on the charges imminently.

Their statement read: “Disciplinary proceedings have been instigated in accordance with Article 55 of the UEFA Disciplinary Regulations (DR) following the UEFA Europa Conference League final match between ACF Fiorentina and West Ham United FC (1-2) played on 7 June 2023 in Prague, Czechia.

“Charges against ACF Fiorentina: 1) Throwing of objects, Art. 16(2)(b); 2) Lighting of fireworks, Art. 16(2)(c). Charges against West Ham United FC: 1) Invasion of the field of play, Art. 16(2)(a); 2) Throwing of objects, Art. 16(2)(b). The UEFA Control, Ethics and Disciplinary Body (CEDB) will decide on the matter in due course.”

West Ham wasted no time in condemning the actions of the supporters who threw objects, including empty plastic cups, on to the pitch and will work to identify those who were guilty of the acts so that their details can be passed on to the police and so that they can be banned from attending the London Stadium. It remains to be seen the outcome of the CEDB’s investigation and the result of charges against both clubs.