Wednesday February 21, 2007 10:31
Man Utd Uefa To Launch Investigation
Posted by The Soccer Blogger as Champions League
Manchester Utd supporters were involved in a crush scare last night at their Champions League against Lille, which Utd won 1 - 0.
The supporters appeared to be pushed against a 3 metre high wall, whilst riot police fired tear gas and hit those trying to escape over the wall with truncheons. At least two supporters had to be lifted to safety over the railings by stewards. The United goalkeeper, Dutch international Edwin Van der Sar, suffered double vision due to the tear gas.
Man Utd officials are appealing for any witnesses to come forward. Their Director of Communication, Phil Townsend said, “We have obviously received a lot of information from various sources but we would welcome any more detail from fans in the affected area.”
It is believed that Man Utd officials had expressed concerned prior to the match about basic facilities at the Stade Felix-Bollaert which is in Lens not Lille.
There have been reports, suggested on television, that the police at the stadium had opened the gates at the back of the stands to allow other Utd supporters, who had acquired tickets for the home section of the ground, to sit there.
A Uefa official stated after the game, “Having seen what went on on the security side and in the match itself, it would be standard procedure for the referee to report the incidents and for the Control and Disciplinary Committee to take the appropriate action.
“The whole issue of Lille playing in that stadium will also need to be addressed.
“We cannot say now what action the Disciplinary Committee will take, but if they find against Lille, it could well be severe.”
It will be interesting to find out why the game wasn’t moved to a more modern and security friendly stadium in northern France. The Stade de France springs to mind. United were apparently concerned prior to the match that Lille had been given the go-ahead to play the game at the Lens stadium and you’ve got to think this investigation is going to run for a while. Stay tuned!
The Soccer Blogger