Pundit Chris Sutton has backed West Ham's players for their actions after they reached the Europa Conference League final.

The Hammers beat AZ Alkmaar 1-0 away from home on Thursday to win 3-1 on aggregate.

Celebrating their first European final for 47 years, the Hammers players dived into the crowd to protect their friends and families after Alkmaar supporters attacked the away end.

Speaking to BT Sport, Sutton said: “I defy any player in that position, with members of family in that situation and not defending them.

“That's how it seemed. How AZ got in there it needs to be looked at by UEFA.

“In terms of the player's reaction, really understandable."