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Though there have been no official reports so far, word spread on Twitter Wednesday night that there was a violent attack involving both Lille and Everton supporters.
Unsettling reports of #Everton fans being attacked and badly assaulted in Lille tonight
— Greg O'Keeffe (@GregOK) October 22, 2014
The Liverpool Echo reported that as many as 10,000 Everton supporters traveled to the North of France to support the Blues in their Europa League campaign, though only about 5,000 tickets were allotted.
The alleged story is this: Everton supporters had been told they could gather in The Australian Bar the night before the match. Fans were first attacked outside the bar before the attackers tried to get inside and the police arrived.
UPDATE: via Greg O'Keeffe's Twitter account
Just spoken to doorman of bar. #Everton fans were enjoying themselves, peaceful with kids playing football all afternoon
— Greg O'Keeffe (@GregOK) October 22, 2014
Doorman says about 10.30pm up to 100 hooded Lille hooligans swarmed from side street & attacked #EFC fans smoking outside.Totally Unprovoked
— Greg O'Keeffe (@GregOK) October 22, 2014
Lillie thugs used metal chairs to batter fans outside and tried to smash way into pub to attack those inside #EFC
— Greg O'Keeffe (@GregOK) October 22, 2014
Local police were on scene within minutes & indiscriminately used gas on #EFC fans asking for help
— Greg O'Keeffe (@GregOK) October 22, 2014
Further updates from news sources:
NEWS: #Everton officials tell 95.8fm 2 fans suffered minor face injuries after a gang stormed a bar in Lille armed with metal chairs.
— bbcmerseyside (@bbcmerseyside) October 23, 2014
EXCLUSIVE: Everton fans attacked in Lille by hooded thugs outside bar by @GregOK http://t.co/If6YR4mctk
— Liverpool Echo (@LivEchonews) October 23, 2014