French clubs face disciplinary action over Europa League violence

Reuters , Monday 19 Mar 2018

Marseille (OM) and Lyon (OL). (AFP)
Marseille's supporters burn flares on March 18, 2018, in front of the Velodrome Stadium in Marseille, southeastern France, before the French L1 football match between Marseille (OM) and Lyon (OL). (AFP)

French clubs Olympique de Marseille and Olympique Lyonnais are facing disciplinary proceedings following crowd trouble at their Europa Leagues games last week, UEFA said on Monday.

Lyon supporters clashed with police outside their stadium - the venue for this year's Europa League final - following the home match against CSKA Moscow on Thursday and several officers were injured.

The club said in a statement that the incidents involved "a group of individuals wearing hoodies who are not part of the club's official supporters' groups".

UEFA said Lyon had been charged with crowd disturbances, the throwing and setting off of fireworks and blocked stairways. It has also charged the club with "racist behaviour" on the basis of a report by the anti-racism group FARE.

Marseille face sanctions after trouble at their game at Athletic Bilbao the same evening and they have been charged with crowd disturbances and the setting off of fireworks.

Spanish media reported that two Bilbao security guards were injured.

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