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Rubber bullets used on Everton 'rioters' in Lille, say police Rubber bullets used on Everton 'rioters' in Lille, say police
(about 1 hour later)
Rubber bullets were used against Everton fans who clashed with police before the club's match in Lille, authorities in France have confirmed.Rubber bullets were used against Everton fans who clashed with police before the club's match in Lille, authorities in France have confirmed.
A spokesman said police "had missiles thrown at them" after arresting a fan in the city's main square for selling drugs at about 14:20 CET (13:20 BST).A spokesman said police "had missiles thrown at them" after arresting a fan in the city's main square for selling drugs at about 14:20 CET (13:20 BST).
Officers acted in self-defence, using a stun grenade and rubber bullets to "drive back the rioters" he added.Officers acted in self-defence, using a stun grenade and rubber bullets to "drive back the rioters" he added.
French police were "heavy-handed" and used tear gas, said supporters.French police were "heavy-handed" and used tear gas, said supporters.
Liverpool mayor Joe Anderson said the police's actions were "totally disproportionate" to what was happening and he would be writing to his Lille counterpart asking for an explanation.
'Stay away' message'Stay away' message
Up to 10,000 Everton fans travelled to Lille for the Europa League match, which ended in a nil-nil draw.Up to 10,000 Everton fans travelled to Lille for the Europa League match, which ended in a nil-nil draw.
Many congregated in Grand Place before the game, hanging flags from the surrounding buildings. Blue flares were also set off in the square.Many congregated in Grand Place before the game, hanging flags from the surrounding buildings. Blue flares were also set off in the square.
During the disturbance, bottles were thrown at police which led to Everton FC issuing a statement urging fans to stay away from the area.
The trouble started when French police chased someone into the square, a spokesman for Merseyside Police, which had liaison officers in Lille, said.The trouble started when French police chased someone into the square, a spokesman for Merseyside Police, which had liaison officers in Lille, said.
French authorities had banned Everton fans without tickets from the city centre. During the disturbance, bottles were thrown at police and tear gas used on fans.
A statement issued by the French embassy confirmed French riot police fired two rubber bullets and a stun grenade "in self-defence".
Mr Anderson said he understood the police had "a duty to protect and make sure the residents of Lille are safe and there is no unruly behaviour that causes alarm or distress, but I can't see that in the pictures I've seen".
"It seems to me if tear gas or pepper spray has been fired into groups that include children then that is a totally disproportionate response."
He said it was "important we know what went on so it can be addressed" in order to make sure Lille fans feel "welcome" when they come to Merseyside for the return fixture in November.
The individual arrested over the drugs was remanded in custody at the local police station. No further arrests were made.The individual arrested over the drugs was remanded in custody at the local police station. No further arrests were made.