Tomas Soucek said that stopping a Crystal Palace ball boy from being crushed was a better feeling than scoring in Julen Lopetegui‘s first win in charge of West Ham.
Soucek’s 67th-minute strike sparked wild celebrations in the away end, with an advertising board falling down under the weight of celebrating supporters and trapping the ball boy.
Soucek lifted up the board and Jarrod Bowen helped pull him to safety. The youngster, who looked shaken, was led away by a groundsman and assessed by medical staff, who ensured he was fine.
‘I was so happy when I scored,’ Soucek said. ‘I enjoyed that moment with the fans, they were going crazy — and then I saw the barrier on the ball boy.
‘Straight away I forgot about the goal and tried to save the boy. I lifted him so he could get away and then I spoke to him after. He’s fine which is the main thing.
Tomas Soucek scored the opening goal in West Ham’s 2-0 win at Crystal Palace on Saturday
An LED screen fell on top of a Crystal Palace ball boy while Hammers fans were celebrating
Soucek (centre) helped the young boy get free by lifting the screen off him at Selhurst Park
West Ham forward Jarrod Bowen (left) then helped the boy get to his feet after a scary ordeal
A photo showing the broken screen after it had been involved in Saturday’s scary incident
‘It was very dangerous for him and I’m happy I could help. There were many bodies on the barrier but I was able to lift it so he could run away. It’s probably a better feeling than scoring the goal, the fact I was able to help him.’
Bowen, who scored West Ham’s second goal five minutes later, shared an embrace with the ball boy after he had pulled him out of the melee.
The Hammers captain later gave him his shirt.
‘I just managed to grab him out as quick as possible, it was just instinct,’ Bowen said.
‘I’ve seen him after the game, he’s got my top now and is smiling.’