David Moyes Offers a Cheeky Apology After Seeing Red in West Ham’s Defeat in the Europa League

• Moyes joked that the ballboy set up the ball nicely for him to hit it on a volley after he was red-carded in West Ham’s defeat
• Aaron Cresswell also saw red in the early stages of the game as West Ham’s hopes of qualifying for the Champions League evaporated
• Frankfurt will now play Rangers in the UEFA Europa League final after the latter saw off RB Leipzig 3-2 on aggregate.

West Ham United head coach David Moyes has issued a cheeky apology after being red-carded for hitting a ballboy on Thursday night. Moyes saw red in West Ham’s 1-0 defeat to Eintracht Frankfurt as they bowed out of the Europa League.

The Hammers were trailing 2-1 going into the second leg in Germany. Their task to overturn the tie became even harder when Aaron Cresswell was sent off after just 17 minutes.

Minutes after Cresswell’s exit, Frankfurt extended their lead after Rafael Borre powered low past Alphonse Areola. West Ham ramped up the pressure to reduce the deficit, but nothing was forthcoming.

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With time running out for the English side, David Moyes hit the ball back to a ball boy sparking rage from the Frankfurt bench. The Scott tactician received his marching orders immediately from the centre referee, Jesus Manzano.

According to the Daily Mail, Moyes addressed the issue during his post-match press conference.

I have to apologise for kicking the ball but the ball boy left it short and it was nicely on the volley for me

Europa exit gutting – Declan Rice

The defeat was antagonising to West Ham, with vice-captain Declan Rice calling it ‘gutting.’ The London side’s hopes for playing in the UEFA Champions League next season are now all but over.

They currently lie in 7th position with 52 points and are poised to participate in the UEFA Conference League next season. Moyes was, however, proud of the effort from his boys.

Difficult, disappointed, but extremely proud of the players, how we played against 10 men. We tried, we created chances, but we congratulate Frankfurt. We give them our best wishes.

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Frankfurt’s hunt for the Europa League trophy continues after setting up a final against Scottish side Rangers. Frankfurt have already eliminated Barcelona and Real Betis this season.

Rangers power through RB Leipzig

As Sports Brief reported, Rangers beat RB Leipzig 3-1 to qualify for the final on a 3-2 aggregate.

Rangers needed to overturn a 1-0 deficit from the first leg and did so within the first 25 minutes of the game with goals from James Tavernier and Glen Kamara.

Leipzig pulled one back through the in-from Christopher Nkunku, but hopes of getting an all-German final were diminished after John Lundstram fired home with 9 minutes remaining. Rangers have now qualified for their first European final since 2008.