Apologetic West Ham boss David Moyes has explained why he kicked out at a ball boy to spark his sending off in Frankfurt.
West Ham are out of the Europa League after losing 3-1 to Eintracht Frankfurt on aggregate in the semi-final.
The Hammers knew they had to win the second leg by one goal to force extra-time.
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So it came as a major blow when Aaron Cresswell was sent off just 18 minutes into the game.
Referee Jesus Gil Manzano flashed another red card West Ham’s way in the second half.
And it was for manager Moyes, who was captured on camera volleying the ball at a ball boy in a fit of rage that had clearly festered as a result of the terrible officiating on show.
The Scot was sent off for the incident.
And speaking after the game an apologetic West Ham boss Moyes explained why he kicked out at the ball boy to spark his sending off.
“Yea (tensions flared), I kicked a ball back at the ball boy, so I apologise for that,” Moyes told BT Sport when asked his thoughts on the sending off.
“But, you know, he threw it very softly at me.”
Moyes went on to express his pride at the performance of his players but his disappointment with the officiating in the Europa League.
“We’ve enjoyed the competition,” Moyes added.
“I don’t know if we’ve enjoyed the officiating but we’ve enjoyed being in the competition.”
The incident with the ball boy is regrettable. But it was indicative of a complete lack of class on show from Eintracht Frankfurt throughout.
The fans were a disgrace and will surely be sanctioned by UEFA.
And Declan Rice was visibly angered when Frankfurt’s players started playing music and celebrating while he was being interviewed inside the stadium.
