February 15 – Police have defended using pepper spray on Leeds United supporters following their defeat at Everton in the Premier League on Sunday.
A statement said the rare action was “proportionate and necessary” during an incident where a man was arrested for assaulting an officer.
Videos of fans being sprayed by officers emerged on social media following Everton’s 3-0 win.
The footage shows police attempting to hold back fans as scuffles break out, with several supporters rubbing their eyes as the spray takes effect.
Police say the incident occurred after bottles were thrown at officers and two were punched in the face as they attempted to detain a man, who was reported to have assaulted a steward.
A police statement said pepper was “deployed in order to bring the situation under control for the safety of fans”.
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