Lyon-Celta Vigo Europa League Match Marred by Violence
Lyon, France – Olympique Lyonnais’ elimination from the UEFA Europa League at the hands of Celta Vigo on Thursday evening was overshadowed by serious incidents of violence involving supporters. A Celta Vigo fan was reportedly stabbed and severely beaten several kilometers from the Groupama Stadium, while clashes also erupted between Celta Vigo supporters and local residents in other parts of the city.
Supporter Attacked After Match
According to reports from Actu Lyon and RMC Sport, a Celta Vigo supporter was attacked in the Guillotière district of Lyon following the Europa League match. The victim was allegedly set upon by multiple individuals and struck repeatedly with a wooden plank, as well as sustaining at least one stab wound. The attack occurred in the Rue Sébastien-Gryphe.
Emergency services transported the injured supporter to Édouard-Herriot Hospital under police escort. While the extent of the injuries is significant, initial reports indicate his life is not currently in danger. Police have arrested a young woman, a minor, suspected of involvement in the assault, specifically alleging she struck the supporter with the wooden plank. An investigation is underway to determine the full circumstances and identify all those responsible.
Clashes Erupt in Multiple Locations
The violence wasn’t limited to the attack on the Celta Vigo supporter. Separate incidents of unrest were reported near Place Gabriel-Péri, where a group armed with sticks and gloves reportedly clashed with local residents. Witnesses told Actu Lyon that residents were targeted with fireworks, with one individual describing fireworks being launched “2 cm from the windows.”
Authorities had anticipated potential trouble, given the match was considered high-risk, and deployed police to strategic locations throughout the city. Law enforcement intervened to quell the disturbances, utilizing tear gas to disperse the groups involved. Approximately 2,700 Celta Vigo supporters traveled to Lyon for the match.
Reciprocal Violence
This incident follows a similar attack on Lyon supporters in Spain last week, prior to the first leg of the Europa League tie. Reports indicated that Lyon fans were attacked with sticks in a bar in the Galician city of Vigo. The escalating violence between supporters of both clubs raises concerns about fan safety and the potential for further clashes.
Match Details
On the pitch, Celta Vigo secured a 2-0 victory over Lyon in the second leg of their Europa League Round of 16 tie, advancing to the quarterfinals with a 3-1 aggregate score. Moussa Niakhaté and Nicolás Tagliafico scored for Celta Vigo, while Lyon were eliminated from the competition. The match, played at the Groupama Stadium, attracted an attendance of 41,764.
The game saw Celta Vigo dominate possession with 64.7% of the ball. They also had more shot attempts (14) than Lyon (4), with 8 shots on goal to Lyon’s 1. Lyon received no yellow cards, while Celta Vigo were cautioned five times. The referee for the match was Irfan Peljto.
Police Investigation Ongoing
Lyon police are continuing their investigation into the incidents of violence, reviewing security footage and interviewing witnesses. Authorities are appealing for anyone with information to arrive forward. The focus remains on identifying and apprehending those responsible for the attack on the Celta Vigo supporter and restoring order in the affected areas.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the potential for violence surrounding football matches and the importance of robust security measures to protect supporters and local communities. The Europa League, while celebrating sporting competition, has unfortunately been marred by off-field incidents that detract from the spirit of the game.
The next confirmed checkpoint for both teams will be the draw for the Europa League quarterfinals, scheduled to take place on Friday, March 20, 2026. Celta Vigo will be eager to learn their next opponent as they continue their pursuit of European glory.
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