Intro:

Tensions high as Everton fans gather in Lille, France ahead of Europa League Group H tie.

Script:

French riot police have reportedly used tear gas and rubber bullets to disperse large groups of Everton fans gathered on Lille's main square on Thursday afternoon, hours before a Europa League match.

Everton fans ignored the club's requests to avoid gathering in the main square, a night after Everton fans drinking outside a bar were attacked.

Trouble flared late on Wednesday when around 50 Lille supporters charged into a group of Everton fans, with two of them requiring hospital treatment.

The English club has said: "The club understands that two Everton fans suffered minor facial injuries and were taken to the local hospital. We advise Everton fans in Lille to avoid the main square in the city centre."

With up to 6,000 Everton fans expected to attend the match, tensions could spill over further.

Everton fan Craig Smith had this to say:

SOUNDBITE: (English) Craig Smith, Everton supporter:

"The Everton fans were doing nothing wrong, all of a sudden they (police) fired tear gas at us and all that, and that was it, for no reason whatsoever, that's all I can say!"

In February of last year, fans of English Premier League side Tottenham Hotspur were violently attacked in a similar ambush the night before a Europa League game away to Lyon.