Frankfurt end West Ham’s European dream to set up Europa League final showdown with Rangers. It was a night to forget for the Hammers as defender Aaron Cresswell and manager David Moyes were both sent off on a heated night in Germany as West Ham failed to set up an all-British final.
Moyes’ side lost their home leg 2-1 but started brightly until Cresswell pulled down Jens Petter Hauge, who would have been through on goal. He was initially shown a yellow card but a video assistant review upgraded it to a Red card.
The German side enjoyed a marvellously colourful partisan atmosphere went ahead when the unmarked Rafael Borre hammered home from Ansgar Knauff’s low ball.
Eintracht Frankfurt fans ripped out seats from their own stadium so they could all stand 🏟 pic.twitter.com/9uQPOApIpF
— GOAL (@goal) May 5, 2022
The night got even worse for West Ham when a frustrated Moyes booted the ball at a ball boy and was shown a straight red card.
At full-time thousands of Frankfurt fans streamed on to the pitch to celebrate their first European final since 1980.
Frankfurt fans stormed the pitch to celebrate reaching the Europa League final for the first time since 1980 😲
(via @JanekSpeight) pic.twitter.com/BubLMluk6l
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) May 5, 2022
Full-time celebrations at Frankfurt! 🦅🎉
2022 finalists! 👏#UEL pic.twitter.com/Jdk718Q6ho— UEFA Europa League (@EuropaLeague) May 5, 2022
The Hammers’ wait for a major trophy will tick over into a 43rd year. It also means no place in next season’s Champions League.
Scottish side Rangers beat Leipzig in the other semi-final to ensure they will face Frankfurt in Seville on Wednesday, 18 May.