Police probe crowd trouble at Everton-Lyon game

AFP, LONDON: British police said Friday they are investigating crowd trouble at the previous evening's Europa League match at Goodison Park, during which an Everton fan holding a child appeared to strike a Lyon player.

Thursday's ugly scenes erupted after Ashley Williams barged into Lyon goalkeeper Anthony Lopes midway through the second half of the 2-1 victory for the away side.

“Merseyside Police can confirm officers are investigating following a disturbance on the pitch during a football match between Everton and Lyon at Goodison Park last night, Thursday 19th October,” they said in a statement.

“Detectives will be reviewing footage and speaking to witnesses to establish what, if any, offences have been committed.”

Everton said they have identified one of the supporters involved in the disturbance and that individual would be banned from Goodison Park, though it was not immediately clear if it was the fan holding the child.

Both clubs are also expected to be subject to disciplinary proceedings from European governing body UEFA following the melee.

Players from both sides became embroiled in the fracas, which moved to the advertising hoardings, where one Toffees fan, holding a child, appeared to push Lopes in the head before hitting out at him again.

While that was occurring, Williams seemed to raise his hand to Lucas Tousart's face. However, he avoided dismissal, with both the Everton captain and Lyon's match-winner Bertrand Traore booked.

“It's what happens, it's football. It is what it is,” said Williams after the game. “It's high emotions. We want to win the game, they want to win the game and stuff happens. That was just one of those times.”

 

Police probe crowd trouble at Everton-Lyon game

AFP, LONDON: British police said Friday they are investigating crowd trouble at the previous evenings Europa League match at Goodison Park, during which an Everton fan holding a child appeared to strike a Lyon player. Thursdays ugly scenes erupted after Ashley Williams barged into Lyon goalkeeper Anthony Lopes midway through the second half of the 2-1 victory for the away side. Merseyside Police can confirm officers are investigating following a disturbance on the pitch during a football match between Everton and Lyon at Goodison Park last night, Thursday 19th October, they said in a statement. Detectives will be reviewing footage and speaking to witnesses to establish what, if any, offences have been committed. Everton said they have identified one of the supporters involved in the disturbance and that individual would be banned from Goodison Park, though it was not immediately clear if it was the fan holding the child. Both clubs are also expected to be subject to disciplinary proceedings from European governing body UEFA following the melee. Players from both sides became embroiled in the fracas, which moved to the advertising hoardings, where one Toffees fan, holding a child, appeared to push Lopes in the head before hitting out at him again. While that was occurring, Williams seemed to raise his hand to Lucas Tousarts face. However, he avoided dismissal, with both the Everton captain and Lyons match-winner Bertrand Traore booked. Its what happens, its football. It is what it is, said Williams after the game. Its high emotions. We want to win the game, they want to win the game and stuff happens. That was just one of those times.