West Ham fan Knollsy has become an overnight celebrity for his bravery at AZ Alkmaar, but he was already well known to Declan Rice.
Chris Knoll was filmed fighting off a hoard of Alkmaar ultras who stormed towards the section containing the families of West Ham players and staff after the away side reached the Europa Conference League final with a 1-0 win. The 58-year-old sustained injuries to his face while almost single handedly keeping the hooded Dutch fans at bay.
The electrician has since broken his silence to explain what happened in the Netherlands, insisting that he is not the hero others are making him out to be. But Hammers players may well be grateful to their supporter for protecting their families after the police and stewards failed to do so.
