French club Lyon have released a bizarre statement following their defeat to Manchester United in the quarter-finals of the Europa League.
Manchester United completed an unbelievable comeback win against Lyon at Old Trafford despite giving up a two-goal advantage in the first place.
Ruben Amorim’s side were 4-2 up on aggregate after scoring two first-half goals but the French side hit four without response, including two after the game went to extra time, to make things look bleak for United.
Alexander Lacazette’s penalty in the 110th minute was a dagger in the heart of United and Lyon celebrated like they had already won the tie. You can’t exactly blame them.
But just 11 minutes later – after three goals from the Reds – the visitors were stunned and then knocked out of the Europa League in an unforgettable game.
Lyon release pathetic statement after United defeat
On Friday afternoon, a statement was released by Lyon’s official social media channels which asked their fans to fill out a form in relation to their experience at Old Trafford. It was claimed that the away supporters might have been put in “danger” due to the access into the stadium.
There have been some reports that some ticket machines would not let fans scan their tickets twice, but beyond that, no significant complains have arisen on social media.
“Dear Supporters, Olympique Lyonnais sincerely thanks you for coming in large numbers to Manchester,” the French club began in a 51-word statement.
“However, we regret the access conditions to Old Trafford which may have put you in danger. United by your side, we will carry your voice and invite you to send us your testimonies via the following form.”
This is perhaps one of the most bizarre messages released from a club when considering the context. No statement was made when videos emerged of United fans appearing to be tear-gassed in the away end at Groupama Stadium last week.
Access in France was also made into a nightmare when the travelling Reds were forced to travel to the Eurexpo Conference Centre, over 10km from the ground, to collect wristbands ahead of the game. It was a shambles and fans were far from pleased.
Perhaps Lyon supporters should have been made to travel to Leigh Sports Village to collect wristbands before the second-leg clash. All the evidence from Old Trafford points towards them having to wait in line for slightly longer than they would have liked because some of them tried to scam their way into the ground.
United fans respond to pathetic Lyon statement
United fans were understandably far from pleased with the pathetic statement from the French club and showed their reactions in response to their post made on social media.
Read More: Manchester United’s five greatest-ever European comebacks after Old Trafford heroics vs Lyon
One fan quoted the post, saying: “The absolute cheek of this, by the way. United’s away fans were treated like zoo animals in Lyon after being sent on a wild goose chase simply to collect their tickets. Shameless.”
“This is pathetic, given some of the well documented issues in Lyon last week,” another added.
A third wrote: “There’s lacking self-awareness and then there’s this. Get to f*ck, you absolute muppets.”
While Lyon exit the competition, United now prepare for their two-legged semi-final against Athletic Bilbao at the beginning of May.
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