Spurs fans attacked in Lyon pub

The scene at the Drunken Ship pub in November 2012 after an attack on Spurs fans, prior to the the match between Tottenham and Lazio. Spurs fans have been attacked for the second time prior to a Europa League match.

In a recent attack on Tottenham fans, three people were severely injured and have been taken to the hospital following an attack on a pub in Lyon, France.

The Smoking Dog pub in Lyon hosted about 150 travelling Spurs fans on Wednesday when it was attacked by an angry mob which hurled iron chairs, wooden objects and a flare, according to eyewitnesses.

Dave Eales, who owns the pub, insists that the attack was unprovoked and has confirmed that one of the fans did suffer a head injury. He said “At 10.18 the pub was rammed with Tottenham fans watching the Champions League on the television. The front of the pub, which is made up of reinforced glass, was attacked by 20-25 people.”

 When asked about what had happened, Eales said “They threw projectiles through the windows. There was a stand-off. They didn’t get in to the bar. Then it calmed down. Then they came back a second time and it all started again. There were three injured Tottenham fans taken away by ambulance. One of them had a head injury. I’m not sure how bad it was.”

An eyewitness said “A lit flare was thrown through the window as well as the heavy weight, the kind that’s used on terraces to hold down umbrellas. It was terrifying. I’ve never seen anything like it. They threw iron stools through the windows as well.” 

This was not the first time that Tottenham travelling fans have been attacked. In fact, not too long ago, there was a similar attack on the fans in Rome. This was ahead of the Europa League match between Tottenham and Lazio.

Christian Radnege, who is a travelling Spurs fan, said “They came in making Nazi salutes. It was frightening. Rome was fresh in everyone’s minds. Everyone realised this was serious. They left and then we thought that was it, but five minutes later it started again.”