AZ Alkmaar have avoided being forced to play a European fixture behind closed doors after being punished over the trouble which flared at their Europa Conference League clash with West Ham.
The Dutch club have had an order to play one home game in continental competition at an empty AFAS Stadium suspended for two years, while being fined a total of €80,125 (£68,750) by UEFA for the shocking attack.
A statement said: “The UEFA control, ethics and disciplinary body has taken the following decision which would affect the attendance of supporters to UEFA matches: to fine AZ Alkmaar 7,125 euros for throwing of objects; to fine AZ Alkmaar 15,000 euros for lighting of fireworks; to fine AZ Alkmaar 8,000 euros for blocking of public passageways.
“To fine AZ Alkmaar 50,000 euros and to order AZ Alkmaar to play its next (1) UEFA competition match as host club behind closed doors, for crowd disturbances and its failure to ensure that spectators cannot move from one sector to another.
“Said match behind closed doors is suspended for a probationary period of two years, starting from the date of the present decision.”
Violence broke out inside the stadium when, after Pablo Fornals' stoppage-time strike had given the Hammers a 3-1 aggregate lead in May 18's second leg of the semi-final between the clubs, a gang of black-shirted, hooded AZ ultras to attempt to storm into the area reserved for friends and family behind the dugout.
Players including Michail Antonio, Said Benrahma, Aaron Cresswell and Flynn Downes climbed over the advertising hoardings in a bid to stop the trouble.
AZ, who went on to finish fourth in the Eredivisie to secure a place in the third qualifying round of the same competition next season, issued a swift apology over what it described as a night of “shame”.
A statement said: “While everyone hoped for a historic European match, it turned into a pitch-black evening due to the events occurring at the referee's final whistle. It turned into a night to reflect on with shame, not because of the football game played, but because of the behaviour of some attending. Unfortunately, we cannot use the word 'supporters' for these people.
“What happened is beyond all bounds. The club again sincerely apologises to West Ham and the thousands of well-minded AZ supporters who have also been inconvenienced by the misconduct.
“In the coming period AZ will - together with the police, Public Prosecution Service, and Alkmaar's municipality - evaluate exactly what happened, how it could have happened and what needs to be improved from now on. It is clear that things need to be improved.
“Part of the evaluation is a thorough review of all available footage so that appropriate consequences may follow for those responsible for this outrageous behaviour. AZ is a civilised club where sportsmanship and norms and values are paramount. The club will do everything possible, together with the authorities involved, to identify these persons and to take appropriate measures.”
