Lyon apologise for fan attack

Lyon have condemned an apparent anti-Semitic attack which hospitalised three Tottenham fans in the French city on Wednesday night.

Last Updated: 21/02/13 at 13:45 Post Comment   

Smoking Dog Pub: Where incident occured

Smoking Dog Pub: Where incident occured

Around 50 masked thugs, some of whom were reportedly making fascist salutes, attacked a group of 150 Spurs fans who had gathered in the Smoking Dog pub in Lyon ahead of the Europa League game between the two sides on Thursday evening.

Eyewitnesses say the group of attackers smashed doors and threw cast-iron chairs, wooden objects, and a lit flare into the pub, which is popular among ex-pats in the French city.

The French club have issued a strongly-worded statement, condemning the "inadmissible" actions of the thugs who terrified the visiting fans and caused damage estimated to be worth £3,000.

"Olympique Lyonnais deplore the incidents overnight in the Saint-Jean district between the supporters of Tottenham and the 'pseudo' supporters of Lyon who absolutely do not represent the club," a Lyon statement read.

"Olympique Lyonnais apologises to Tottenham and its supporters, for the inadmissible acts which degrade the image of the town of Lyon.

"Olympique Lyonnais call on the French justice system to impose severe sanctions for these reprehensible acts."

Lyon, who are looking to overcome a 2-1 first-leg deficit in the last 32 tie, urged fans to behave themselves at Thursday's second leg, which kicks off at 6pm.

"Olympique Lyonnais will welcome Tottenham supporters this evening at (Stade de) Gerland and calls for all the supporters, those from Lyon and the English fans, to support their team with respect and fair play," the statement continued.

Tottenham confirmed this morning that three fans sustained "minor injuries" in the attack, and that arrests had been made.

@Gab, policing what 'event'? It was a group of fans watching a game in a pub. Do you expect the Lyon police to attach a detail of officers to every Spurs fan in the city?
- fictionalemu

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