Tottenham fans attacked in France

(CNN) -- Fans of English football club Tottenham Hotspur found themselves on the receiving end of vicious attacks for the second time in six months on Wednesday after three people were injured during an incident in the French city of Lyon.

Tottenham supporters have traveled to France for the second leg of the club's Europa League tie with Olympique Lyonnais and were confronted by a group of roughly 50 people while gathered at a pub.

"Club officials attended an incident last night in Lyon," read a statement from Tottenham, who are based in North London. "A group of around 50 people confronted fans.

"The situation was dealt with and arrests were made within the hour. Three fans sustained minor injuries and received prompt medical assistance.

"Spurs officials and stewards will be in the city throughout the day, along with matchday French police ahead of kick-off."

West Ham have already banned one fan for life after he was cautioned by police for "racially aggravated gesturing" during their match with Tottenham on Sunday. West Ham's fans are also reported to have aired songs about Adolf Hitler. The FA are to investigate. Tottenham won the game 3-1 with Gareth Bale (left) on the scoresheet.

Neither West Ham manager Sam Allardyce (L) or his Tottenham counterpart Andre Villas-Boas were keen to wade into the controversy. Allardyce told reporters at a post match press call: "I don't want to be a political animal -- I'm here to talk about football."

West Ham's Israeli midfielder Yossi Benayoun took to Twitter to express his view of the chants. He said: "I was very disappointed to hear some of the songs yesterday and it was embarrassing. But we need to remember that it was made by a minority group of fans and I'm sure the FA together with West Ham will do everything to find and punish them."

A group of Tottenham fans were attacked before their recent Europa League match with Lazio as they drank in the city center. One supporter is still in hospital suffering from stab wounds. West Ham's fans allegedly made reference to the incident in their chants.

A section of Lazio fans unfurled a "Free Palestine" banner during the 0-0 Europa League draw with Tottenham, which was marred by anti-Semitic chanting from the home supporters. Tottenham traditionally have a strong Jewish following.

Just last week Chelsea's complaint that Premier League referee Mark Clattenburg aimed racist language at midfielder Jon Obi Mikel was dismissed by the Football Association due to a lack of evidence.

Chelsea's John Terry (L) was found not guilty in a criminal court of racially abusing Queens Park Rangers defender Anton Ferdinand but received a four-match ban from the FA and a $356,000 fine for calling his opponent a "f*****g black c***."

Liverpool's Uruguayan striker Luis Suarez served an eight-match ban in the 2011/12 season for racially abusing Manchester United defender Patrice Evra. Suarez maintained his innocence but Liverpool were heavily criticized for their handling of the case.

West Ham controversy

FA to probe chants

Benayoun disappointed

Rome attack

Anti-Semitic accusation

Clattenburg cleared

Terry charged

Suarez banned

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Hammers vow action on anti-Semitic chants

Read: Football battles anti-semitic storm

The Press Association reported masked attackers made Nazi salutes as they descended on approximately 150 Spurs fans outside the Smoking Dog pub.

Lyon issued a statement expressing sympathy for Tottenham's supporters while also distancing the club from the perpetrators of the attack.

"Olympique Lyonnais deeply regrets the incidents that took place last night in the neighborhood of Saint-Jean between supporters of Tottenham and so-called supporters of Lyons who absolutely do not represent the club," read the statement.

"Olympique Lyonnais apologizes to Tottenham and its fans, for these unacceptable acts that degrade the image of the city of Lyon.

"Olympique Lyonnais calls on the French justice to severely punish these reprehensible acts.

"Olympique Lyonnais wishes a warm welcome to Tottenham's fans tonight at Gerland and calls on all the fans, French and English, to support their team with respect and fairplay."

Local police in France were unavailable for comment when contacted by CNN.

The incident comes after a Spurs fan was stabbed in Rome in November ahead of the club's match with Italian team Lazio, a tie which was marred by anti-semitic chanting.

Tottenham have a strong following from the Jewish community in North London where their White Hart Lane Stadium is situated.

Read: Meet Italy's proud football racists

"We can confirm the hospitalisation of a number of British nationals following an incident in Lyon," confirmed a statement from the British Foreign and Commonwealth Office. "We are providing consular assistance. "

The match will see Tottenham attempt to reach the last 16 of Europe's second-tier club competition after winning last week's first leg 2-1.