Three charged over Lyon attack on Spurs fans

LYON, France (AFP) –

Tottenham midfielder Gareth Bale (C) takes part in a training session with teammates at the Gerland stadium in Lyon, southern France on February 20, 2013. Three men have been charged with “aggravated violence” and remanded in custody after Tottenham Hotspur supporters were attacked in a Lyon bar on Wednesday evening before a Europa League game in the city.

Three men have been charged with “aggravated violence” and remanded in custody after Tottenham Hotspur supporters were attacked in a Lyon bar on Wednesday evening before a Europa League game in the city.

Police are also investigating claims of violence “provoked by racial hatred,” with reports that Nazi salutes were seen when Spurs supporters were attacked in the Smoking Dog pub, in Lyon’s Old Town, on the eve of Thursday’s match.

Seven people suffered minor injuries, and police are looking for several dozen people in connection with the attack, which was carried out by up to 50 masked men.

One of the three currently being held has connections with the extreme right.

The men are also accused of causing damage to the premises after chairs were thrown and stones and bricks hurled through the pub’s windows.

It is the second time that Tottenham fans have been targeted by such an attack in recent months.

In November, fans of the club, which has a traditionally strong Jewish following, were ambushed inside a pub in Rome on the eve of their Europa League game against Lazio.

Tottenham drew the Europa League last-32, second-leg, match 1-1 in Lyon to win 3-2 on aggregate and advance to a last-16 tie with Inter Milan.