A West Ham fan who helped protect fellow supporters and players’ families from hooligans has been left paralysed following a stroke. A group of Hammers supporters fought off AZ Alkmaar attackers during their Europa Conference League tie in May and subsequently went viral on social media.
Videos of the exchange were widely shared on the internet, with one supporter – known as Knollsy – gaining acclaim for fending off the violent Dutch fans. Several other individuals managed to prevent the AZ supporters from gaining entry to a section of the AFAS Stadion housing West Ham fans and the players’ families.
One of those men became known as ‘Green T-Street’ for his green attire. But the individual suffered a stroke three months later and was left paralysed on the right side of his body.
The family of the person – whose real identity is unknown – created a donation page in August asking for £50,000 to fund rehabilitation care and support. They have received over £13,000.
“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,” the family say on the donation page.
“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.
“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 backwards step and held off the onslaught almost single-handedly. He declined to be named and turned down many offers from fans that 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 family’s 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.
