Shock as Everton fan holding child 'punches' player
Everton's English-born Welsh defender Ashley Williams (second left) is kept apart as players clash during the Uefa Europa League Group E match between Everton and Lyon at Goodison Park, in Liverpool on October 19, 2017. PHOTO | OLI SCARFF |
What you need to know:
- The supporter also appeared to strike defender Mouctar Diakhaby.
- Under-pressure Everton boss Ronald Koeman attempted to play down the incident.
LIVERPOOL
Struggling Everton could face Uefa sanctions after a supporter holding a young child appeared to punch a Lyon player in a stormy Europa League clash at Goodison Park on Thursday.
The French side won the game 2-1 but the result was overshadowed by a mass brawl in the second half when Everton skipper Ashley Williams pushed visiting goalkeeper Anthony Lopes.
In the ensuing melee, an Everton fan appeared to punch Lopes with one hand while holding a child in the other.
"There was a supporter who punched him, I think it's not normal," said Lyon striker Bertrand Traore who went on to score the winning goal.
"In those moments, we have to help each other, stay as a team, that's what I tried to do," added the Burkina Faso player.
The supporter also appeared to strike defender Mouctar Diakhaby.
Under-pressure Everton boss Ronald Koeman attempted to play down the incident.
"I do not know what happened. It started with Ashley and another defender from Lyon, there were a lot of players implicated."
Wales defender Williams was fortunate to avoid a red card before going on to head in his team's equaliser.
"It's what happens, it's football. It is what it is," Williams told BT Sport. "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."
