An Everton fan who appeared to slap a Lyon player while holding a child during last night's Europa League game has been banned by the club while police investigate the incident.

Merseyside Police confirmed they were looking into the incident which occurred when an on pitch brawl drifted towards the stands.

The on-pitch melee had broken out after defender Ashley Williams clattered into goalkeeper Anthony Lopes with his forearm leading to player from both sides becoming involved.

Footage of the incident appeared to show a man holding a small child lashing out by seemingly aiming two slaps at Lopes.

Williams was only booked for his part in the incident and went on to score the equaliser in the 2-1 defeat at Goodison Park.

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Williams clashes with Lyon goalkeeper Anthony Lopes (
Image:
PA)
The Everton fan carrying a child remonstrates with a Lyon player (
Image:
@InsideN17/Twitter)
There were ugly scenes at Goodison Park (
Image:
@InsideN17/Twitter)

Police said in a statement this morning: "Merseyside Police can confirm officers are investigating following a disturbance on the pitch during a football match between Everton and Lyon at Goodison Park last night, Thursday 19 October.

"Detectives will be reviewing footage and speaking to witnesses to establish what, if any, offences have been committed."

Everton FC said in a statement that they have reviewed the footage from last night's game and wound ban the individual involved.

A spokesman said: Club Officials have reviewed the footage of an incident that occurred in the 64 minute of the game against Olympique Lyonnaise where supporters towards the front of the Lower Gwladys Street End became involved in a confrontation between players.

"We have identified one individual who 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. "

He then appears to throw a punch towards the pitch (
Image:
@InsideN17/Twitter)
Fans get involved in the ruckus (
Image:
@InsideN17/Twitter)

The incident was spotted by a number of people on social media.

One person on Twitter said: "Bet the child's mum won't be happy."

Another added: "That Everton fan throwing punches while holding a child is awful."

There were also calls for Everton to issue a lifetime ban to the fan, with one tweeter posting: "@Everton I sincerely hope that idiot with his child in his arms hitting a Lyon player gets banned for life. Poor kid."

Williams said after the game: "It's football, it is what it is, it's just what happens, it's football it's high emotions, we want to win the game."

Lyon keeper Lopes said: “I don’t know if it’s part of the English atmosphere to hit an away player, but it was like this.”

After Williams had levelled for Everton, it was Traore who put the Ligue 1 side back in front with a flick at the front post to pile the pressure on Toffees boss Ronald Koeman.