Bolton call for police probe
22 Feb 2008 - 08:42:47
Bolton Wanderers have lodged an official complaint with UEFA after accusing Spanish police of using "overzealous and disproportionate" tactics to deal with fans at their UEFA Cup match with Atletico Madrid.
The Trotters reached the last 16 for their first time in their history via a 1-0 aggregate scoreline following a goalless second leg on Thursday, but the Premier League club were unhappy with the manner in which their fans were treated in Madrid.
"I have great sympathy for any of our supporters who have been injured by what is clearly an overreaction by the Spanish police," said chairman Phil Gartside.
"Our fans gave us magnificent support on the night and this has taken the shine off what has been a momentous evening in the club's history.
"Bolton Wanderers Football Club will be pursuing the matter at the highest level and seeking an explanation from the Spanish authorities.
"We will also be conducting our own internal investigation and information-gathering process."
A club statement also went on to read: "The directors of Bolton Wanderers Football Club are upset and disturbed at the apparent overzealous and disproportionate actions of the Spanish police towards our supporters during Thursday night's UEFA Cup return leg at Atletico Madrid.
"The club's fans were subjected to a number of assaults and unprovoked baton charges before, during, and after the game, in addition to the aggressive use of police horses to manoeuvre fans towards the Vicente Calderon stadium.
"Bolton Wanderers has launched an official protest with UEFA and its security delegates, who witnessed the behaviour of the local police force, and the club is currently in liaison with the Greater Manchester Police and the British Embassy to ascertain further information.
"Bolton Wanderers supporters have an impeccable reputation and an excellent record of good behaviour when travelling abroad to European matches, and the club believes the actions of the Madrid police are entirely unacceptable."