Stay in control of the latest Blues news with our Everton newsletter Sign up now Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email

A FRENCH football hooligan who was among thugs who stormed a bar where Everton fans were drinking was jailed.

Blues fans came under attack from up to 100 louts in Lille on Wednesday night ahead of a Europa League clash between the clubs.

They were attacked with metal chairs and battered by the thugs - and then claimed they were sprayed with CS gas by police who ignored their pleas for help.

A suspected Lille ‘ultra’ - known only as Tomasz S - was arrested on Thursday after being recognised by police.

The 30-year-old appeared in court on Friday and was jailed for eight months.

According to French newspaper, La Voix du Nord, Tomasz S was linked by police to Lille’s hooligan faction.

In court, he reportedly denied being linked to the ‘ultras’ and despite having the phrase ‘LOSC (Lille Olympique Sporting Club) Army’ tattooed on his knuckles denied being interested in football or knowing there was a game.

He admitted punching an Everton fan but claimed he acted in self-defence.

(Image: Andrew Teebay)

But a judge rejected that assertion and jailed him immediately for eight months. The court heard he had a history of football-related disorder.

Everton fans told how they were enjoying a peaceful afternoon and evening at the Australian bar when the terrifying unprovoked attack happened.

Brothers Simon and Steven Wakenshaw, sons of former Everton player Robbie Wakenshaw, were also outside when the Lille fans appeared from a side street and sprinted towards them.

Simon was hit repeatedly on the back and neck with a chair as he tried to help his brother who was being kicked in the head.

Steven, 26, who is originally from Crosby but now lives in Tenerife, said: “It was horrific. Like a scene from Green Street. It came out of nowhere.

“We tried to get back inside but the bouncers had locked the doors. The police came very quickly.”

The ECHO’s Everton reporter Greg O’Keeffee, who was in Lille, said the thugs used metal chairs to batter fans outside. He said local police “indiscriminately used gas on EFC fans asking for help”.

On Thursday, French riot police fired tear gas canisters and flash balls at travelling fans after trouble flared in Lille’s main square.

Violent clashes erupted between riot officers and fans in the city’s main square after plainclothes cops chased a suspected football hooligan and suspected drug dealer.

An Everton spokesman said: “We will continue to work closely with the French and Merseyside Police, in conjunction with the club’s own security team, to better understand the two isolated but serious incidents that occurred in Lille ahead of our Europa League fixture this week.”

The match at the Pierre Mauroy stadium ended in a goalless draw.