A gang of masked men allegedly chanting Nazi slogans attacked Tottenham fans drinking in a crowded pub in France, leaving three supporters injured.
Up to 150 Spurs fans were drinking at the Smoking Dog pub in Lyons on Wednesday evening, in advance of the club’s Europa League match against the city's team.
Eyewitnesses reported that the assailants made Nazi salutes and threw objects including a flare and an iron table stand through the pub windows.
Fans claimed that there were two waves of attacks, with up to 50 men taking part in the first and around 20 in the second, five minutes later.
Pub landlord Dave Eales said that the three injured supporters were taken away by ambulance, one with a head injury. He suggested that the response of police had been slow.
Reports suggest that the police are considering the attack to have an antisemitic motive. Lyons fans are not believed to have been involved.
A Tottenham Hotspur spokesman said: “Club officials attended an incident last night in Lyons. A group of around 50 people confronted fans.
“The situation was dealt with and arrests were made within the hour. Three fans sustained minor injuries and received prompt medical assistance.”
This is the second attack Tottenham supporters have faced in three months. In Rome Ashley Mills was stabbed the evening before the side’s game against Lazio last November, sustaining injuries to the head and leg.
