Everton are in danger of slipping out of contention for a place in the second round after a defeat to Lyon on Thursday.
They also risk punishment from UEFA after a fan holding a child appeared to aim a punch at a visiting player during a second-half melee at Goodison Park.
Thursday’s performance was the worst start to a Europa League campaign of any English club in the competition’s history.
Ronald Koeman’s side suffered a 2-1 defeat, leaving them with just one point from their first three games.
Although Koeman’s men started the season with four consecutive clean sheets in the Europa League qualifiers and opening Premier League game, they have conceded in all but one of their last 12 games – a League Cup third round win over Sunderland.
The defeat to Lyon means Everton have gone three home games without a win for the first time under their Dutch coach, whose future will be placed in even further doubt.
Koeman, 54, is reportedly close to being sacked and his team are now four games without a win in all competitions. They sit just two points above the Premier League relegation zone ahead of Sunday’s game against Arsenal.
Everton could also face punishment from UEFA after a fan holding a child appeared to aim a punch at a Lyon player during a second-half melee at Goodison Park.
Toffees skipper Ashley Williams’ push on goalkeeper Anthony Lopes ignited a heated confrontation between several Everton and Lyon players which continued off the pitch and in front of the Howard Kendall Gwladys Street End.
While players continued to push each other in front of the fans, one Everton supporter, who was holding a child, appeared to push Lopes’ head and seemed to aim a punch in the direction of the keeper and defender Mouctar Diakhaby.
The Lyon players noticed that and shouted in his direction before things eventually cooled down.
Referee Rob van de Ven produced a yellow card for Williams and Lyon striker Bertrand Traore, with the former fortunate to perhaps escape further punishment having raised his hand in Lucas Tousart’s face.
Williams went on to head in an equaliser for Everton soon after but Traore’s winner consigned the Toffees to a 2-1 defeat.
