“I’d been too concentrated on screaming abuse at the players for being s***.” It gets worse.
The Everton supporter that tried to punch Lyon ‘keeper Antony Lopes has said the club and both sets of players must share some of the responsibility for his behaviour.
In an interview with the Sunday People, the supporter who wishes to be unnamed believes that the players put his son in danger by “swinging their arms” around.
“They’re supposed to be setting an example, as professional athletes,” he said.
The supporter has since been banned from attending any Everton matches and he has also apologised for his behaviour. “I’m ashamed of what I’ve done. I already know. I’m not a f**king d**khead,” he said.
Despite this apology, the supporter believes that Everton must also shoulder some of the responsibility for the ugly scenes that unfolded.
He said, “I put myself and my son in a dangerous position by taking my eye off the ball and getting carried forward with other fans. Before I knew it I was through the gate, which should have been shut. Everton should have provided adequate security. It was not intentional but I’d been too concentrated on screaming abuse at the players for being s**t.”
In the interview, the man also stated that he fears his ex-partner – the mother of his son – will attempt to ban him from having access to his children over the incident.
Since the incident happened, Everton launched their own internal investigation into the disturbances and registered a formal complaint against the individual with Merseyside police.
The club statement reads: ““Club officials have reviewed the footage of an incident that occurred in the 64th minute of the game against Olympique Lyonnais where supporters towards the front of the lower Gwladys Street End became involved in a confrontation between players. We have identified one individual whom action will now be taken against. This will include a ban from attending future Everton fixtures and the club registering a formal complaint with Merseyside police.”
