Tottenham Hotspur fans have been attacked in a bar in the French city of Lyon on the eve of their side’s Europa League tie.
Three supporters were taken to hospital after a group of men wearing balaclavas smashed the Smoking Dog Pub’s windows. Other fans were hurt by flying glass.
Lyon-based journalist Alexander Aucott said the windows were smashed with tables and chairs from another bar.
The Foreign Office later confirmed it was looking into reports of the attack.
It took place nearly 24 hours before the match, in the last-32 stage of the tournament.
Tottenham won the first-leg of the tie 2-1 at their White Hart Lane ground last Thursday.
Lit flare
Sports journalist Christian Radnedge, a Tottenham fan, who was in the bar – an English-style pub – told BBC Radio 5 live the men gave Nazi salutes before launching the attack.
He said he did not believe the men were Lyon fans.
Among other things, a lit flare is understood to have been thrown into the bar, which was filled with up to 150 fans, landlord Dave Eales, originally from Nottinghamshire, said.
“The front of the pub, which is made up of reinforced glass, was attacked by 20 to 25 people,” he said.
“They threw projectiles through the windows. There was a stand-off. They didn’t get into the bar. Then it calmed down.
“[But] then they came back a second time and it all started again. There were three injured Tottenham fans taken away by ambulance.
“One of them had a head injury. I’m not sure how bad it was.”
Rome attack
A club spokesman said a group of about 50 people had confronted fans.
“The situation was dealt with and arrests were made within the hour. Three fans sustained minor injuries and received prompt medical assistance,” he added.
“Spurs officials and stewards will be in the city throughout the day, along with matchday French police ahead of kick-off.”
Labour MP for Tottenham David Lammy has called for a review of security surrounding fans, particularly when they are travelling in Europe.
He said: “We need to be sure that clubs like Spurs which are inclusive are not now subjected to attacks in this way.”
In November, Tottenham fans were targeted in an attack in Rome – apparently with an anti-Semitic motive – ahead of the club’s match with Lazio.
“Rome was fresh in everyone’s minds,” said Mr Radnedge. “Everyone realised this was serious.
“They left and then we thought that was it, but five minutes later it started again.
“The intruders did not get into the bar because it was full of Spurs fans.”
Police in Lyon did not provide any details of the events at the bar when contacted by the BBC.
BBC News
