Tottenham accuse Spanish police

Spurs fans claim to be victims of an unprovoked attack at the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan Stadium, where the Spanish authorities were persuaded to eventually remove police from the away support.

Club secretary John Alexander confirmed that Spurs' safety officer, a Football Association security advisor and police who travelled from London were involved in organising the change after half-time of the 2-1 defeat for Martin Jol's men against Sevilla.

"As soon as the police were removed from that section there was no more trouble," he said.

But during the trouble in the first half, Spurs fans clashed with riot police following a problem with getting supporters into the stadium on time and subsequent segregation issues.

It was during these flashpoints that seats were thrown at police and a disabled fan was allegedly "set upon".

Alexander said: "We have been distressed to hear about incidents involving our supporters at a time when they were showing no aggression whatsoever and also in respect of our disabled supporters being set upon by the Spanish riot police.

"We need to understand how we are in a position whereby we have two clearly identifiable Spurs stewards assaulted by the Spanish police, along with our disability co-ordinator being injured too."

He added: "There was one disabled fan who we know was hit with a baton with such force that it knocked him out of his wheelchair."

Police clashed with Manchester United fans in Rome 24 hours before Tottenham's UEFA Cup quarter-final first leg in Spain, with the injuries suffered by travelling supporters this week raising the issue of taking legal action against negligent officials.

Sports lawyer Mel Goldberg feels that the disabled fan would have a case if the attack was proven, but other supporters would be unsuccessful.

"If the disabled fan took action against the police he should be successful, clearly he wasn't a threat," said Goldberg. "For the other people, the police will say they were provoked and were trying to keep law and order."

UEFA have launched investigations into the incidents in Rome and Seville this week, although they have not discussed possible sanctions.

'You don't know who is to blame until it's looked into'

"Any talk of sanctions is pure speculation, it has not been discussed," said UEFA communications director William Gaillard. "The control and disciplinary body is a fully independent body and we and they will look at the evidence."

While Manchester United fans face the prospect of the conduct of their fans being questioned for a second European away game running, Spurs supporters insist the Spanish police were to blame in Seville.

Daniel Wynne, of Tottenham Hotspur Supporters' Trust, told Sky Sports News: "The pictures are of seats being thrown but that was 15 minutes after an unprovoked attack by the police. When they retreated the trouble stopped."

Spurs have also stressed that there was no fan-to-fan fighting.

Alexander added: "There seemed to be no reason why our supporters should have been pushed and crowded into a section of the stadium.

"It was a police decision and we're trying to find out who made that decision and why."

Spurs goalkeeper Paul Robinson, who on the wrong end of poor refereeing decision for Sevilla's equaliser, added: "You don't know who is to blame until it's looked into. There is claim and counter-claim, so it will have to be looked at properly."

Frederic Kanoute's spot-kick cancelled out Robbie Keane's opener, with Alexander Kerzhakov establishing an advantage before next week's second leg at White Hart Lane.

Spanish media focused on Sevilla's victory rather than the trouble in the stands, highlighting the different approach to crowd disturbances and policing on the continent.

"It makes you appreciate the policing at grounds in England," added Wynne.

Spurs fans have been asked to email seville.report@tottenhamhotspur.com with information about the evening.