Confession time, who's been tear gassed?
The events at the Lille - Man U game reminded me of an incident many years ago when I was a Lille Ultra for a season.
The previous Saturday, there had been a bit of trouble during a game at Parc des Princes from PSG hooligans, so the exit gates from the stands got closed. However a few police were still on the other side, and those poor guys got a **** of a kicking from the Boulogne Boys.
So at all grounds in France the following week, the riot police (CRS) were out in force, intent on causing riots and getting revenge on football fans.
I was at a Lille home game, and straight after kick-off the CRS blocked the way to the toilets. It all started off fairly light hearted, with fans chanting "If you're bursting for a p1ss, clap your hands". As the game went on, people got more desparate to go, and some starting arguing with the police. This gave them the excuse they wanted to launch a baton charge against us, and they followed this up with a couple of tear-gas cannisters. It's not very nice, and does exactly what it says on the tin. After a minute the CRS let us escape the gas, but lined the exit corridor and hit us all with their batons as we exited the stand. B4stards.