Source: REUTERS/Gonzalo Fuentes
[Saba Sports News] According to British media reports, Manchester United fans have accused French police of using tear gas after the Europa League match ended in a 2-2 draw against Lyon. A video posted by a fan on social media shows multiple people in the stands covering their mouths and noses with clothing, claiming that everyone was subjected to a tear gas attack. The video, posted by social media user Jaydeblanc, was filmed at the away fans’ section of the Lyon Olympic Park Stadium and quickly went viral. In the 59,000-capacity stadium, there were 3,000 Manchester United fans, and after the final whistle, a large number of fans were seen covering their faces with jerseys. In the video, a fan shouted: “Everyone was sprayed with damn tear gas! What the hell is this? How can tear gas be used at a football match?” Another person complained: “This is how Manchester United fans are treated.” As the camera pans across the stands, more fans appeared to be vomiting, and the sound of coughing was continuous in the background. Social medias claimed that the police initially promised to detain for 1 hour and open facilities, but then blocked toilets and corridors, even spraying tear gas through riot shields. This incident capped off a difficult expedition for Manchester United fans, who were all forced to go to the Europa Convention Center 10 kilometers away from the stadium to pick up entrance bracelets before the match, and the paralysis of the Lyon metro system led to the organizer’s temporary dispatch of shuttle buses.