West Ham stars rescue ball boy after celebrating fans fall through advertising boards
Tomas Soucek was seen lifting the board off the youngster.
A Crystal Palace ball boy was left shaken as an advertising board holding back West Ham United fans collapsed during Saturday’s Premier League match.
Tomas Soucek opened the scoring in the second half at Selhurst Park with Jarod Bowen doubling their lead five minutes later.
As West Ham players raced over to the away support in celebration, travelling fans in the away end fell forward as the advertising boards in front of them gave way.
The board fell on top of the Palace ball boy who was sat in front of it watching the action with supporters also spilling over onto the pitch.
West Ham goal scorer Soucek quickly spotted the danger and was seen lifting the advertising board up to help the youngster get free.
Bowen was also on the scene, helping him crawl out to safety.
The ball boy was led away by medical staff with Sky Sports News reporting he appeared ‘shaken’ but ‘unhurt. No supporters appeared to be injured in the incident.
Soucek was widely praised on social media for his quick-thinking.
West Ham fan site KUMB wrote: ‘Kudos to Tommy Soucek for spotting the danger as a ball boy fell under the advertising barrier, while West Ham celebrated the second goal.
@resecting1243 added: ‘Soucek class act for helping the Palace ball boy out of the board.’
After the game, goalscorer Bowen was able to provide a positive update on the youngster involved.
‘I’ve seen him after the game. He’s got my top now and he’s smiling so he’s all good which is good to see,’ he said, speaking to BBC Radio 5 Live.
‘I just managed to grab him out as quick as possible – it was just instinct just to do it.’
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