UEFA to launch probe

Riot police charged at United fans and used batons to beat them back in the Stadio Olimpico after both sets of fans had thrown projectiles, including bottles, over a Perspex barrier. Roma fans were not set upon by the law forces.

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

The trouble erupted after Roma took the lead through Rodrigo Taddei's opener in the first half. Police were seen charging fans in the away section and beating people indiscriminately, including some who already had blood pouring from head wounds.

The scenes, which were sickeningly reminiscent of those witnessed in the dark days of the 1980s, came just weeks after United fans were involved in another incident on a European away trip.

In the last round, French police clashed with Reds' supporters at the Stade Felix Bollaert in Lens during their last 16 match with Lille. Then, fans had attempted to climb barriers in order to escape what they thought was a potential Hillsbough crush situation after stewards had allowed in fans with fake tickets.

United were fined £6,300 then, although Lille were hit with a bigger penalty, and this time round it seems that further sanctions will be taken by UEFA, even though it will be difficult to apportion blame.

"Italian law says police are responsible for public order inside stadiums," added Gaillard. "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."