Lyon goalkeeper Anthony Lopes says he was hit by a supporter during the ugly melee involving players and fans during Lyon's 2-1 win over Everton at Goodison Park on Thursday night.

Lopes appeared to be struck by one Toffees fan - holding a child with one arm - who seemed to push Lopes in the head before attempting to hit out again.

Now Everton look set to face sanctions from UEFA after the incident, with Ashley Williams potentially set to face punishment also.

The Welsh defender instigated the fraces in front of the Howard Kendall Gwladys Street End midway through the second half, when he unnecessarily barged into Lopes.

Players from both sides proceeded to pile in as the melee moved towards the advertising hoardings, when an incensed Lopes was appeared to be hit.

The incident that started it all (
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Getty Images Europe)
Ashley Williams of Everton clashes with Lyon players after a challenge on Anthony Lopes (
Image:
Ross Kinnaird)
Players attempt to come between Williams and Lopes (
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Reuters)
Williams clashes with Lucas Tousart as a fan appears to try to strike Lopes (
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@InsideN17/Twitter)

Bertrand Traore confronted Williams as numerous players from both sides got involved in pushing and shoving.

Williams appeared to raise his hand to Lucas Tousart's face, yet the only initial outcome of the skirmish was a booking for Everton's captain-for-the-night and Lyon's match-winner Bertrand Traore from Dutch referee Bas Nijhuis.

Williams clashes with both Tousart and Kenny Tete (
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Getty Images Europe)
The fracas led to plenty of bad feeling between the two sets of players (
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AFP)
Players clash and fans are restrained (
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Getty Images Europe)
Tom Davies breaks things up (
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Ross Kinnaird)
Order is close to being restored (
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Getty Images Europe)

Speaking after the game, OL's Portuguese keeper attempted to play down the incident. He declared: "It was no big deal, it happened and that was it.

"For me it seemed to wake up the fans and they seemed to love it.

"I don't think it is part of the English atmosphere to hit an away player, but it was like this. But I am proud that we were strong at 1-1 we won the game despite everything.

"It was a very proud night for us."

Everton boss Ronald Koeman lets loose at referee Bas Nijhuis and his officials (
Image:
Ross Kinnaird)

Everton boss Ronald Koeman blamed the referee for his players losing their cool, on a night where another defeat placed further pressure on the Dutchman.

The loss means Everton have just one point from three Europa League matches ahead of the return fixture in France in two week's time.

"I think the irritation grows in the game for our players and in my opinion that was the problem by the referee," Koeman argued.

"The referee was Dutch but he didn't do anything against the theatre of some of the Lyon players. (Nabil) Fekir in the first half dived 10 times.

"I understand with my players, that comes out of frustration."

The pressure increases on a defeated Koeman (
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AFP)
Williams is likely to face retrospective action from UEFA (
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REUTERS)

Former referee Graham Poll reckons UEFA will look to retrospectively take action against both Everton and Williams folllowing the incident.

"Ashley Williams and Everton will surely face further sanction from UEFA once video evidence is studied," he said in the Daily Mail. "Williams totally lost the plot.

"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."

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