Everton supporters clashed with police in Lille ahead of the club's Europa League match, and it quickly became a frightening scene of tear gas and bottle throwing.
Scary scene in Lille as police clash with Everton fans
Dean Mouhtaropoulos
Exactly how the problems started is still unclear. One Everton fan told the Guardian that a plain-clothed police officer chased an Everton fan into the square and other fans came to his aid, not knowing he was a policeman. Tear gas followed not long after. According to the report, the Everton fans returned to the square after the police left and there were no further issues.
Neither the police nor the club have commented on the situation, other than to tell fans to avoid the square where the tear gas was thrown.
There were problems on Wednesday night, when a group of Lille fans allegedly ran into a bar filled with Everton fans and attacking the visiting supporters. Two people were taken to a hospital with minor injuries.
However the situation began, it was a scary scene.
10,000 Everton fans in Lille today. Class. #efc pic.twitter.com/TE8WccbVyZ
— Football Away Days (@FBAwayDays) October 23, 2014 #LOSCEFC mouvement de foule sur la Grand Place pic.twitter.com/8yeJiZg8pP
— JS Guillerez (@GuillerezJS) October 23, 2014 #LOSCEFC arrivée des forces de l'ordre pic.twitter.com/19A1OwkKSf
— JS Guillerez (@GuillerezJS) October 23, 2014 See More:
