West Ham fans raising funds for hooligan-fighting hero after he suffered stroke
A fundraiser has been launched for a West Ham hero who battled Dutch hooligans in Alkmaar after he suffered a stroke.
The incident occurred in the Europa Conference League semi-final second leg as some AZ Alkmaar fans tried to attack the families and friends of the West Ham players and staff in the main stand. However, Chris 'Knollsy' Knoll - who isn't the fan who suffered a stroke - and others helped keep the AZ onslaught at bay, despite the mass of supporters coming at them.
Knollsy emerged into the public spotlight after the match and received a standing ovation when he arrived at the London Stadium for West Ham's Premier League game against Leeds. However, another one of those fans who took on the AZ hooligans has reportedly suffered a life-changing stroke.
The anonymous fan has kept a fairly low profile since the incident, but the stroke has left him paralysed down the right side of his body and it has impacted his speech.
Now, a group of West Ham fans have set up a JustGiving fundraising page in an attempt to raise £50,000 for rehabilitation care and equipment. So far, over £13,000 has already been raised.
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A statement on the fundraiser page reads: "It's Just three months on from his heroic act during West Ham's Semi-final vs AZ Alkmaar. The mysterious legend in the green T-shirt has found himself in a life-changing situation.
"While out working, he suffered a stroke. It comes with great sadness and a heavy heart to say that this great, strong man is now paralysed on the right side of his body and it has drastically affected his speech. The consultants are confident that with the right care and support, we are able to get him back to full health.
A fundraiser has been launched for a West Ham hero (Getty Images)
Still nobody knows the fan's name (Getty Images)"Not only West Ham fans but thousands of other football fans from all over the world were offering to buy this man a pint. This was after the AZ Alkmaar Ultraz broke through a fence and began what can only be described as a potentially brutal attack on a small contingent of West Ham family members and fans.
"He never took a backward step and held off the onslaught almost single-handedly. He declined to be named and turned down many offers from fans who wanted to show him gratitude. He was adamant he didn't want any fuss and wished to stay out of the limelight and remain anonymous so, for the purpose of this fundraiser, he will be referred to as GREEN T-STREET.
"He is the families' rock and the breadwinner. He has a long and hard road ahead. Starting with getting him home with his family and then a lengthy spell of rehabilitation to try and get him walking and talking again. The family have recently discovered that having a family member who was described as 'an immovable object' comes with some new challenges.
"£50,000 is a huge target, but the equipment is not cheap and his rehabilitation is likely to take several months, possibly years before he is able to work again. With your support, we can make this period as comfortable and progressive as possible. No donation is too small. On behalf of the family, We would like to thank you in advance for any donations received. If you are not able to donate then please like, share and pray for his speedy recovery." You can donate to the fundraiser on the JustGiving page.
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