Soccer

Everton fans attacked in Lille

Travelling Toffees support reportedly ambushed at bar by local supporters

Ireland’s Séamus Coleman and England’s Leighton Baines are the most dangerous defenders in the opposition box. No defender has scored more goals than Coleman since the start of last season. Photograph: PA Wire.
Ireland’s Séamus Coleman and England’s Leighton Baines are the most dangerous defenders in the opposition box. No defender has scored more goals than Coleman since the start of last season. Photograph: PA Wire.
Thu Oct 23 2014 - 14:31

A group of Everton fans were the victims of a seemingly unprovoked attack in Lille late on Wednesday, prior to their Europa League clash, the club confirmed while unsavoury scenes continued on Thursday.

The travelling supporters were ambushed at a bar in the city centre by approximately 50 Lille fans at around 10pm local time on Wednesday, an attack which resulted in a number of injuries with some Everton followers suffering head wounds, according to eye witnesses. Police were quick on to the scene and released tear gas to break up the attack.

On Thursday, police returned to the main square where Everton fans were based, prompting the club to advise supporters to steer clear on their official Twitter feed.

Following the incident on Wednesday, a statement issued on Everton’s official website on Thursday morning said: “The club has been made aware of an isolated incident in a bar in Lille on Wednesday evening in which a number of Evertonians were attacked by a group of around 50 local men.

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“The club understands that two Everton fans suffered minor facial injuries and were taken to the local hospital and that this was the only incident in what was otherwise a good-natured evening in the city centre.

“The club are in continual contact with Merseyside police officers who are in Lille today and the city’s police representatives.

“Supporters travelling to tonight’s match are advised to utilise the travel information provided on the official website where updates on any safety matters will also be provided.”

It is understood at least 5,500 Everton fans will be in attendance at the stadium this evening.

A doorman at the bar told the Liverpool Echo: "The Lille hooligans just appeared from the Place Louise de Bettignies across the road, from a side street, and just ran at the pub. There were some Everton fans outside smoking and they got caught cold. The hooligans picked up chairs we had stacked up outside and attacked them while others used them to smash windows and try to get inside.

“I saw one older English guy being punched by about three Lille hooligans. His face was bleeding badly. I am so sorry for what happened.”

Guardian Service