Lyon v Besiktas: kick-off delayed by violent incidents
Violence broke out at the Europa League match between Lyon and Besiktas when Turkish fans supposedly injured a stadium official. Everton-Lyon live
Fighting broke out at the Parc Olympique Lyonnais before Europa League quarter-final first leg match between Lyon and Besiktas, delaying kick-off for 45 minutes. Though there were fears the game would have to be postponed, as fans poured onto the pitch to avoid missiles being thrown, order was eventually restored and the match started at 21:50.
Violent scenes at Lyon - Besiktas
The trouble allegedly began at one of the entrances to the ground where there were violent scenes between fans of the Turkish side (with around 20,000 supporters estimated to have made the trip to Lyon) and security forces. According to an AFP photographer: "The Turkish fans charged at one of the stadium officials, and injured him. The fans [involved] were carrying large Turkish banners".
The entrance to the north stand also saw problems, with the police using tear gas to control incidents between French and Turkish fans. The game was rated high-risk by UEFA.
Lyon fans run onto pitch for safety
Turkish fans then threw firecrackers, flares and other objects at the home fans, many of who ran onto the pitch to protect themselves. Jean-Michel Aulas, the president of the French club, went onto the pitch to plead for calm and to ask the fans to return to the stands.
Lyon and Besiktas take the pitch 35 minutes late
With order in the stadium restored, the teams came out around 21:40 to warm up, the game finally kicked off at 21:50, 45 minutes late.
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