Police defend ‘proportionate’ use of pepper spray against Leeds fans at Everton

Bottles were reportedly thrown at officers and two were attacked

Merseyside Police have stated that the use of pepper spray towards Leeds United supporters on Saturday was "proportionate and necessary" during an incident where a man was arrested for assaulting a police officer. Videos circulated on social media of fans being sprayed by officers after Everton secured a 3-0 victory over Marcelo Bielsa's side at Goodison Park. A number of supporter can be seen rubbing their eyes after being sprayed, with footage showing police trying to hold back fans. Police say the incident occurred after bottles were thrown at officers and two were attacked as they attempted to detain a man. 

A police statement said pepper spray was "deployed in order to bring the situation under control for the safety of fans".

However, Graham Hyde, vice-chair of the Leeds United Supporters Trust, argued that pepper spray was not required and insisted the incident was aggravated by a steward.

"We do not wish to see anyone hurt including fans, stewards and police, and would always prefer to see the handling of fans done in a diplomatic and non-inflammatory manner," he said, as reported by the BBC.

Merseyside Police said: "At around 4.05pm at the start of the second half, it was reported a steward had been head butted by a man in the away section on the Lower Bullens stand.

"Officers attended and while attempting to detain the male, other members of the crowd began to throw bottles at officers and two officers were punched to the face.

"One man, aged 44, from Skipton, was arrested on suspicion of being drunk and disorderly and assaulting an officer. He was taken into custody to be interviewed and has been released under investigation.

"When police were assaulted, officers deployed PAVA spray in order to bring the situation under control for the safety of fans near to the disturbance.

"Efforts were made immediately after to identify anyone affected by the spray and provide them with aftercare and support.

"The use of PAVA in this incident has been reviewed by our Professional Standards Department who are satisfied that its use was proportionate and necessary.

"Enquiries into the incident are ongoing and Merseyside Police is examining CCTV and working with Everton FC and Leeds United to establish the full circumstances and identify any offenders."

The Toffees won the game thanks to goal from Séamus Coleman, Michael Keane and Anthony Gordon, with Frank Lampard's men increasing the gap between themselves and Norwich City, who currently sit in 18th position.

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