Thread by @RaeComm

The ARD Radio broadcasters have reported that they in their words “were attacked” by English fans behind them as the West Ham goal went in for 1:1. You could hear it on air. It disrupted the broadcast briefly. “I’ve never experienced anything like it.” #WHUSGE

2/ Talk on air from both commentators about being in shock & they feel perhaps the fans who attacked them didn’t like their loud goal shout for the Knauff 1:0. They say no security there to protect them. #WHUSGE

3/ Tweeting this in solidarity with my ARD colleagues. Could happen to any commentator and when you are concentrating fiercely and someone blindsides you in that fashion, while you’re at work, unacceptable.

4/ So Hut ab (hat off) to Philipp Hofmeister & Tim Brockmeier for their utter professionalism during what must have been a living nightmare. Both work for Hessischer Rundfunk, the public station serving Hessen.

5/ Philipp & Tim have explained they have been given new commentary seats in the middle of the media tribune now thanks to @WestHam media department. They hope to get on with their jobs but concede very hard to concentrate after what happened.
cc: @thehopemaster, total pros.

6/ Both commentators have been asked again on air about their experience. They expressed some surprise about the proximity to fans. They were in the last row of the press area but fans behind them. They felt the fans seemed taken aback by their emotional comms on Knauff goal.

7/ Tim Brockmeier said he was struck on the neck at that early point. Then later when the equaliser went in, multiple strikes & his headphones dislodged. They thanked WHU media dept & the technicians for their assistance but unpleasant and difficult to have to broadcast in fear.

8/ Thanks to @dec11mcc for sending this. WHU spokesperson: “The Club is aware of the incident and will be working to identify the offender. In line with our zero-tolerance approach, anyone identified will have their details passed to the police.“

9/ West Ham statement (ctd): “They will be given an indefinite ban and be unable to enter London Stadium and travel with the Club. There is no place for this kind of behaviour.”