West Ham United fan John Payne is a formidable example of how love for a club can push a man beyond all limits. This 51-year-old man has decided to travel to the UEFA Europa League final between his Hammers and Fiorentina despite his poor health caused by a horrific machete attack in 2007.John is having a blast with his friends in Prague – despite his poor health (©John Payne)Today, John endures two or three seizures every day, a result of a vicious racism-fuelled attack over a decade ago. But not even the risk or the pain could stop this Englishman from watching his team’s historic final live.”I couldn’t miss this final for the world. West Ham haven’t been in a European final since 1976, so this could be my only chance. I had three seizures in 24 hours and my health isn’t great. I’m only having one or two beers and will take it easy after. But my mates are looking after me so everything seems okay. I go to every West Ham match, home and away, and that’s why I’ve got myself a ticket here for being a loyal supporter. I’m sure we’re going to bring the trophy home.”Payne suffered a seizure at Amsterdam Airport, and two more followed at Prague Airport and in his hotel. His friend Neil supported his buddy as they explored the Czech Republic capital for drinks with other West Ham supporters.”It has been pretty traumatic for John. I sat up all night to keep an eye on him. What a party that was. But he is a great guy, and he is very much an important part of the West Ham group. We are glad he is here and happy to look out for him.”##NAJAVA_MECA_7306385##Three Asian men in their early twenties were found guilty of attempted murder for the attack on Payne in December 2007 and received lengthy jail terms. The attack left a large scar on the back of John’s head and lasting brain damage, but he won’t be kept away from watching the famous East London club.Beat Fiorentina in the final, and David Moyes will be the first British manager to win a European trophy since Sir Alex Ferguson’s Manchester United won the Champions League in 2008.It all comes down to this! 🇨🇿🏆#UECLfinal x @andeeborn pic.twitter.com/vk8l0mrr6q— UEFA Europa Conference League (@europacnfleague) June 7, 2023 Even though John and his friends are confident of lifting the trophy, their opponents Fiorentina won’t be pushovers when they face Moyes and his team. Viola has hit form when it matters, making it into the UECL final and finishing at a respectable eighth position in Serie A despite a shaky start. In contrast, West Ham looked like they were heading for relegation from the Premier League for most of the season. The Hammers have won as many games in the Europa Conference League (13/14) as in all their domestic games (13/42) this season and finished 14th in the Premier League.European nights have been kind to the Hammers this season. Tonight is the ultimate one.UEFA EUROPA CONFERENCE LEAGUEFinalWednesday22.00: (2.85) Fiorentina (3.15) West Ham (2.80)***odds are subject to change
