Everton after answers

28 October 2014 07:16

Everton are seeking answers from the French authorities after many of their fans were caught up in disturbances in Lille last week.

The build-up to the Merseyside club's Europa League Group H match between against the French at the Stade Pierre Mauroy last Thursday was marred by two incidents in Lille city centre.

The first was an attack on some Everton supporters by a group of at least 50 people at a bar on Wednesday night. The second was a flare-up in the main square around Thursday lunchtime which saw French police use gas against Toffees fans.

Everton last week issued a statement saying they would work closely with French and Merseyside police to establish the facts around the incident and appealed for fans to submit feedback.

They have now updated on the situation with a fresh statement to say the club "remains committed to seeking answers from the French authorities on a number of issues faced by supporters" in Lille.

Everton's head of security Dave Lewis said: "We are still keen to hear from people who witnessed, or were victim of, any safety or security issues in Lille last week.

"It is really important that we have accurate, first-hand information as we report back and look to get answers on what happened and why.

"The information we have been getting from a range of sources since last Wednesday confirms that a section of our fans had an unacceptable experience in Lille last week.

"In addition to the unprovoked attack on Wednesday night and what we believe to be a disproportionate police response to issues in the square on the Thursday - which caused unnecessary fear and avoidable injuries to bystanders - there are a number of other issues including access into the stadium that we are continuing to investigate."

Source: PA