The West Ham fan Chis Knoll, better known as 'Knollsy,' who fought off dozens of hooded football thugs, has been rewarded with a coveted ticket for his club's first European final in 47 years.
The father-of-four, dubbed the 'Angel of Alkmaar', said he was nearly reduced to tears when he heard the news, which followed a request by Mail Online to West Ham United.
'I am at work and when I got the call today, I nearly cried. I am, so pleased, so happy. I am made up.'
Knollsy, 58, who has become a folk hero on the terraces of the London Stadium among West Hams faithful following, was desperately seeking a ticket like many other thousands of anxious supporters.