Rome police chief defends football action

Rome's prefect of police has defended their tactics in dealing with clashes between Roma and Manchester United fans in their Champions League clash.
Manchester United said the police's response was a "serious over-reaction" and accused the police of handing out "indiscriminate beatings".

But Achille Serra said: "To criticise the police is a sport. The British like to do it.

"The police were forced to intervene between two sets of violent fans."

He added: "The stewards were literally swept aside and at that point the police were obliged to intervene.

"If people are criticising the security forces... I was at the stadium and I saw no negative behaviour. Certainly when you are facing facts of this nature you can not hand out flowers, that much is clear."

A Home Office minister has said answers are needed from Italian police following the clashes.

Vernon Coaker's remarks came after baton-wielding police fought with supporters at Rome's Stadio Olimpico during Manchester United's 2-1 defeat.

The British Embassy said 11 Manchester United fans were taken to hospital, with two reportedly kept in overnight.

Mr Coaker said: "The scenes that we saw on our television screens were extremely concerning."

He told BBC Radio Five Live he wanted to see reports from Italian and UK police, the British Embassy, the clubs concerned and the fans themselves.

"We need some explanation of what actually took place and the police response to it," he added.