Uefa to investigate Rome violence

Uefa has launched an investigation after crowd violence erupted during Wednesday's Champions League tie between Roma and Manchester United.
Riot police charged at United fans at the Stadio Olimpico as both sets of supporters threw missiles.

Uefa spokesman William Gaillard said: "We're waiting for the delegate's report. The control and disciplinary body will look at the TV images."

United have promised to look into the situation "as a matter of urgency".

A club spokeman said: "There were clearly some very disturbing scenes in the stadium last night.

"Until we have had chance to discuss the situation with the British Embassy in Rome and the Italian authorities and to understand the cause, it would be inappropriate to comment."

Both United and Roma could face disciplinary action as a result of the shocking scenes.

The trouble flared when rival fans surged towards a barrier separating them and missiles were thrown.

Gaillard said Uefa had little control over the police.

"Italian law says police are responsible for public order inside stadiums. Stadia in Italy are municipal stadiums, they are not the property of the club.

"We are definitely in favour of soft policing, which is clearly the use of stewards who we know can handle a difficult situation probably better than riot police.

"We are subject to the law so we cannot tell the Italians and other countries where police are in charge of public order in stadia not to enter stadia.

"We are just a football authority not a law and order authority."

Earlier in the season, United were fined £6,300 for the poor behaviour of their supporters in the away leg against Lille in Lens.

Gaillard added: "We will also have to see what role Manchester United fans had in the incidents because they had some problems in Lens earlier this year."