UEFA opens investigation into Rome crowd trouble
Thu 05 Apr, 08:10 PM

GENEVA (AFP) - European football's governing body, UEFA, has launched an investigation into the crowd violence which marred the Champions League quarter final between AS Roma and Manchester United on Wednesday.

"UEFA has opened an investigation into the incidents that occurred at the UCL (Champions League) match AS Roma - Manchester United," the governing body said in a statement on Thursday.

"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," it added.

A UEFA spokesman, who declined to be named, told AFP that a decision on whether or not to go ahead with full disciplinary charges was likely to be taken after the Easter break, on Tuesday.

Fans from both sides were involved in running battles outside the stadium in Rome and police baton-charged United supporters after new disturbances erupted in the stands following Roma's first goal in their 2-1 victory.

The UEFA spokesman said it was still unclear what charges might be pressed.

About 20 people were injured, including 13 United fans who were hospitalised, one with a stab wound to the neck, a spokeswoman for the British Embassy in the Italian capital reported.

The incidents came only a day after the Italian government passed new laws in a bid to stamp out mounting football hooliganism in recent months.

UEFA's new president, Michel Platini, has vowed "zero tolerance" for violence on and off the field, and recently wrote to top clubs and all federations in Europe to underline his stance.

One of Platini's senior advisors, William Gaillard, who is dealing with the security issue, underlined that the footballing authority still had to receive official accounts from its delegates at the match.

But Gaillard - who was in Rome on Wednesday evening - informally highlighted key issues such as the presence of ticketless United fans, fighting away from the stadium and in the stands, and fans throwing plastic bottles at police.

Italian police had escorted United supporters with tickets into the Olympic stadium while riot police also remained in the stands, he said.

"The fact that they were escorted in and protected in the first place is a good point," he told AFP.

"Everything was done logistically for the ones that were the 'official' fans, to bring them in in the safest possible way and to bring them out in the safest possible way," he explained.

"Mr Platini and UEFA for years have always said that we can't prefer the use of soft policing by stewards."

Italian media reported on Thursday that alcohol was on sale near the stadium despite an official ban by local authorities.

"It's quite possible that fans had access to alcohol not far from the stadium but this still has to be determined," Gaillard said.

"There are always hawkers at football matches in Italy who sell things like that. It's one thing for the Italian fans because they don't drink, but of course with English fans it's another issue," he added.

Manchester United has already been fined by UEFA this year for the behaviour of travelling fans following incidents that marred their Champions League tie against Lille in February, when French riot police used tear gas during the match.

Lille - which was also fined for security violations and incorrect behaviour by players - had complained about ticketing problems with United supporters.

World governing body FIFA's president Sepp Blatter warned last month that violence on and off the pitch had driven football to a crossroads.

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