Emmerdale fans rage as Ethan clashes with Billy after revealing he’s representing his attacker

EMMERDALE fans raged as Ethan clashed with Billy after revealing he is representing his attacker.

Thursday night's episode saw Billy battered and bruised in hospital after an unprovoked, racially-targeted attack.

Meanwhile Ethan was called to the police station to represent someone who had been arrested, and they turned out to be the man who had attacked Billy.

While clearly torn over whether to continue with his role or not, Ethan eventually decided there was no conflict of interest and agreed to stay on as the man's solicitor.

However, tonight's episode saw Ethan reveal what was happening to a shocked Billy and his wife Dawn, leading to a confrontation in The Woolpack.

The couple then left to cool off, but when Billy saw Ethan leaving the pub later on, he marched up to him to give him another piece of his mind.

He raged: "So let's get it out in the open, what exactly is it about me that you don't like?"

Trying to diffuse the situation, Ethan insisted he didn't know he was involved, but Billy was having none of it.

He continued: "Here's me thinking I was attacked and abused, and he thinks I was 'involved'. You know what, you lot are sneaky."

Ethan tried to walk away but Billy continued, saying: "Listen, I don't wear a suit to work, but at least I can look in the mirror and see who is looking back.

"What do you see Ethan? When you look in the mirror?"

Failing to bite his tongue any more, Ethan hit back: "So I should know my place? Is that it?"

Billy said: "You do realise the system is not on your side, please tell me you get that?";

Ethan replied: "Oh so I've got no business being a lawyer because I'm black? Is that what you're saying? Because believe me I know exactly what that sounds like."

While both men have clearly been discriminated against because of the colour of their skin, they were still at loggerheads over the issue.

Billy told him: "I'm saying he shouldn't be at the racist's beck and call."

The argument ended with Billy storming off insisting no one believes he's innocent, while Ethan admitted to his father that he wasn't sure he wanted his job after all if this was how difficult it was going to be.

Taking to Twitter, Emmerdale viewers raged about the issue, with one writing: "And this is why Ethan needs to remove himself from this case.. as a conflict of interest... see sense you fool!"

Another added: "Ethan you are pathetic!"

A third tweeted: "Ethan, toughen up, get a backbone and stop whinging."

Emmerdale airs on ITV and is available on ITV Hub.