Lyon goalkeeper Anthony Lopes reacts after teammate ‘punched by Everton fan holding child’
Mass brawl broke out during Europa League clash at Goodison Park following Ashley Williams' rash tackle on the keeper in the second-half
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Lyon goalkeeper Anthony Lopes has admitted he was surprised to see one of his teammates on the receiving end of what appeared to be a punch from an Everton fan holding a child during his side’s Europa League win at Goodison Park on Thursday night.
A mass brawl broke out at the edge of the pitch in the second-half following a rash challenge on the Portuguese keeper by defender Ashley Williams.
As the altercation spilled over into the stands, television footage showed several fans getting involved with one man carrying a young child in his arms trying to reach the players while aggressively shouting at them (see video above).
The man appeared to lash out at midfielder Lucas Tousart before retreating back into the crowd.
"It was no big deal, it happened and that was it,” Lopes said after the game, which his side won 2-1.
"For me it seemed to wake up the fans and they seemed to love it.
"I don't think it is part of the English atmosphere to hit an away player, but it was like this. But I am proud that we were strong at 1-1 we won the game despite everything. It was a very proud night for us."
Williams and Lyon match-winner Bertrand Traore were both booked for their part in the melee.
While Everton are facing possible Uefa disciplinary action for the ugly scenes, Williams sought to play down the incident.
"It's what happens, it's football. It is what it is," Williams said.
"It's high emotions. We want to win the game, they want to win the game and stuff happens. That was just one of those times."
Everton manager Ronald Koeman, whose side are now bottom of their Europa League group, decided to admonish the referee for not disciplining the Lyon players.
“I think the irritation grows in the game for our players and in my opinion that was the problem by the referee,” Koeman argued.
“The referee was Dutch but he didn't do anything against the theatre of some of the Lyon players. (Nabil) Fekir in the first half dived 10 times.
“I understand with my players, that comes out of frustration.”
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments