Everton Fans Clash with Riot Police in Lille: Latest Details and Reaction

Everton supporters found themselves embroiled in violent clashes with local police in Lille city centre ahead of the club's Europa League clash with the Ligue 1 outfit.

Latest Update from Wednesday, Oct. 29

Head of security at Everton Football Club, Dave Lewis, has commented on his findings that Everton fans were mistreated by police during the scenes that shrouded their trip to Lille. Lewis stated the club's intent to push for answers regarding what happened on Thursday, Oct. 23, per BBC News:

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He (Lewis) said the club was working with both Merseyside Police and Liverpool Mayor Joe Anderson to try to establish what happened in the northern French city.

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

Mr Lewis claimed fans had been subjected to an "unprovoked attack" the night before the game and "what we believe to be a disproportionate police response to issues in the [main] square on the Thursday, which caused unnecessary fear and avoidable injuries to bystanders".

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Original Article from Thursday, Oct. 23

The club issued a statement through their official Twitter feed, prior to the upcoming Europa League match, warning fans to stay away from the city centre:

Football writer Joe Strange tweeted from the French city's main square, where Toffees supporters gathered prior to kick-off:

Greg O'Keefe of the Liverpool Echo provided specifics after originally suggesting rubber bullets had been fired, while Everton-affiliated website Grand Old Team posted images of the problems unfolding:

Sky News' Paul Kelso spoke to Merseyside police, who have been in touch with their Lille counterparts:

A Twitter account known as Everton Away Days posted an image of a flare being lit in the main square:

These reports come after O'Keefe reported skirmishes between the two sets of supporters on Wednesday night, which allegedly saw a group of Lille fans target Everton followers who were holed up in a pub. O'Keefe provided comment live from the scene for the Liverpool Echo, where he detailed the happenings before Thursday's incidents:

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Lille thugs used metal chairs to batter fans outside and tried to smash their way into the pub to attack those inside. Local police were on scene within minutes and indiscriminately used gas on EFC fans asking for help.

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O'Keefe also reported quotes from the pub's doorman, who said, "Some of the Everton fans were trying to explain (to police)," per the Echo. "They were saying 'There are children inside,' but the police were swearing at them and wouldn't listen."

Brothers Simon and Steven Wakenshaw, son of former Everton player Robbie, were reportedly among those attacked. Simon was hit "repeatedly on the back and neck with a chair as he tried to help his brother who was being kicked in the head," reported by O'Keefe.

Previous Updates

Everton have released an official statement in response to Thursday's incident, asking fans to aid their investigation by providing accounts of what happened:

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Everton will continue to work closely with the French and Merseyside Police, in conjunction with the Club's own security team, to better understand the two isolated but serious incidents that occurred in Lille ahead of our Europa League fixture this week. 

All available reports suggest that the first incident, on the night before the game, was an unprovoked and planned attack by local youths. 

The second incident, early in the afternoon on matchday, in the City's main square, quickly escalated into unwelcome and unpleasant scenes. Events then, equally quickly, returned back to normal with well-mannered and good-natured celebrations that were evident throughout the Club's stay in Lille. The Club will now work with all authorities to find out what happened and why.

In order to gather as much detail as possible on the incidents and on other issues encountered by fans, the Club has provided an online feedback form.

Fans will be required to enter their name and customer number to submit feedback.

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 Ashley Clements of the Daily Mail provides photos of the incident.