UEFA investigate Rome clashes
05 Apr 2007 - 15:45:55
UEFA has opened an investigation into the crowd trouble which marred Manchester United's Champions League quarter-final first leg meeting with AS Roma on Wednesday night.
United's 4,000-strong travelling contingent were charged by baton-wielding riot police in the Stadio Olimpico after AS Roma took a first-half lead.
The incident was sparked when hoards of home fans surged towards a barrier separating the two sets of supporters and missiles were thrown into the United contingent.
Roma won the match 2-1 but the ugly scenes on the terraces has led to Europe's governing body launching an official investigation.
"UEFA has opened an investigation into the incidents that occurred at the match," confirmed an official UEFA statement.
"UEFA is currently gathering evidence and will be studying the official reports of the referee, delegate and security officer in detail before announcing any further action."
Earlier on Wednesday, United had condemned the actions of the Italian police inside the stadium.
"In what the club views as a serious over-reaction, local police handed out indiscriminate beatings to United supporters," read a club statement.
"The disturbing scenes shocked everyone at Old Trafford."
Previously in this year's Champions League, United were fined £6,000 by UEFA for the poor behaviour of their supporters in the away leg against French side Lille in Lens.