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Man United anger as fans are crushed in France

21/02/2007

Manchester United have called for football governing body Uefa to take action after a number of fans were crushed against ten-foot high metal security barriers at the Stade Felix-Bollaert in Lens during the first leg of their 1-0 first-leg win over Lille in France in the Champions League.

At least two people, including a schoolboy, had to be lifted over the barriers to safety, as security officials shut a gate which had been pushed open by fans trying to escape the crush.

As the sense of panic rose, riot police fired tear gas into the stand and used truncheons on those who tried to clamber over the fence. It was also reported that goalkeeper Edwin Van der Sar suffered double vision as a result of the tear gas.

"We have obviously received a lot of information from various sources but we would welcome any more detail from fans in the affected area because it is important we establish precisely what has happened," said Manchester United director of communications Phil Townsend.

UEFA spokesman Rob Faulkner told the BBC that it is standard procedure for the referee to report the incident and for the control and disciplinary committee "to take the appropriate action".

The match took place in Lens because Lille's own stadium does not meet Uefa standards.





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