Violence erupts in Europa League

Ahead of Lyon's 3-2 defeat to CSKA Moscow, a group of around 100-150 home fans clashed with police outside the stadium. According to AFP, the fans threw objects and damaged police vehicles. French police made three arrests to restore order. Eight French police officers were slightly injured in the clashes.

Violence also broke out during the match between home team Athletic Bilbao and Marseille at San Mames. Spanish police said Marseille fans attacked and injured two security guards at San Mames. One of the two guards was attacked by away fans, causing injuries to the neck, with a sharp object suspected to be a knife.

Marseille fans light flares in the stands of San Mames stadium. Photo: Reuters

Spanish police added that both security officers suffered only minor injuries. It is worth noting that three weeks ago, before the match between Athletic Bilbao and Spartak Moscow in the second leg of the Europa League round of 32, a similar riot occurred. As a result, a Spanish riot police officer died of a heart attack.

Lille fans stormed the pitch to attack their team's players. Photo: The Guardian

Last weekend in the French Championship, violence also broke out when Lille fans invaded the pitch to attack their team's players after the match against Montpellier. French authorities confirmed that 10 people were arrested on March 16 (Vietnam time) to serve the police investigation.

Also related to the issue of violence, Chelsea FC expressed dissatisfaction when Barcelona security staff beat their fans with batons after Barca beat Chelsea 3-0 in the second leg of the Champions League round of 16 at the Nou Camp.

Chelsea have asked the European Football Federation (UEFA) to investigate the incident.