Everton and Ashley Williams will surely face UEFA punishment after brawl mars Europa League clash with Lyon

Ashley Williams and Everton will surely face further action from UEFA once video evidence of the unseemly fracas in the 66th minute of their Europa League tie with Lyon is studied.

Williams was cautioned for the needless push on Lyon goalkeeper Anthony Lopes and that sanction was probably correct. But surely Dutch referee Bas Nijhuis will reference what followed in his match report?

Williams totally lost the plot and was seen pushing shoving and apparently slapping an opponent.

Everton players and even a supporter were involved in a mass brawl in their clash with Lyon 

Everton players and even a supporter were involved in a mass brawl in their clash with Lyon 

A foul by Ashley Williams  on Lyon's Anthony Lopes sparked the ugly scenes at Goodison Park

A foul by Ashley Williams on Lyon's Anthony Lopes sparked the ugly scenes at Goodison Park

There were numerous players from both teams involved in the melee behind the Lyon goal and even a fan from the Everton section at the Gwladys Street end became involved – first pushing then appearing to aim a punch at a Lyon player.


The fact that a couple of Everton backroom staff had to enter the field to calm Williams down showed how out of control the captain was and, while their intervention helped, they should not enter the field of play.

The UEFA delegate and referee's observer will have met with the official after the game and discussed their findings before submitting individual reports. Unless the referee ill advisedly says he saw everything, sanctions really must follow. 

But Toffees captain Williams was not done there. He fronted up to Lucas Tousart (second left)

But Toffees captain Williams was not done there. He fronted up to Lucas Tousart (second left)

Centre back Williams attacked Tousart as he wildly swung his arms at the Lyon midfielder

Centre back Williams attacked Tousart as he wildly swung his arms at the Lyon midfielder

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