UEFA to investigate crowd trouble at Bolton's Euro tie

My Account
Logout

Create an Evening Standard Account

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Welcome! Sign in here

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Forgot your password ?

Registration

* indicates fields that are mandatory

Email *

Password *

Confirm Password *

First name *

Surname *

Postcode *

Country *

Mobile phone number

Username *

Gender *

Year of birth *

When you sign up...

You will have access to all our online competitions, discounted offers and can post comments on our site.

You will also receive The Weekender newsletter sent every Thursday - it’s full of fantastic offers and ideas for the weekend. You can update your email preferences in your account page when you log in.

Other newsletters and emails

Homes & Property Newsletter - Yes I want to receive the weekly email with all the latest news on property in the capital

Occasionally we would also like to send you relevant emails detailing specific offers either from ourselves or carefully selected partners. If you would prefer not to receive these then please tick the appropriate boxes below. We will never pass on your details.

I do not want to receive additional offers and information from the Evening Standard

I do not want to receive additional offers and information sent by Evening Standard on behalf of carefully selected partners

Terms and Conditions

* I have read, understood and agree to be bound by the terms and conditions of Evening Standard

Registration

Mail Sent for Registration Confirmation.

A confirmation email has been sent. Please activate your account by clicking on the activation link sent in your mail box.

• More Bolton news

Fighting broke out inside the stadium although the Wanderers were quick to point the finger of blame at the Spanish police, insisting their fans had been subjected to "a number of assaults and unprovoked baton charges before, during, and after the game".

Scroll down for more

An Atletico fan readies himself to launch a chair at the Bolton fans at Vicente Calderon stadium

Official reports have been submitted to the UEFA Control and Disciplinary Body, which will decide on the matter at its next meeting on Thursday, March 20.

The match ended 0-0, with Bolton going through to the next round 1-0 on aggregate. Spanish police said the problems at the match were "just the usual at any football game" and refused to respond to Bolton's allegations.

Greater Manchester Police, whose Chief Superintendent David Lea was in the stadium to witness the Spanish police's behaviour, insist Bolton fans were not at fault and pledged to help the club compile a report to UEFA.

This is not the first time this season complaints have been made about Spanish police at the same venue, with Aberdeen writing to UEFA in November after they felt their fans were mistreated during their group game against Atletico.

Bolton midfielder Kevin Nolan has welcomed UEFA's decision to open disciplinary proceedings.

"After the game we didn't quite understand why it was happening," said Nolan.

"It was quite scary - you could see kids there - and we were feeling for them. That's why we went out afterwards to show our appreciation.

"I'm just glad all of them got home safe and sound.

"Hopefully UEFA will make sure the Spanish police don't get away with it."

Manager Gary Megson is confident Bolton's fans will be cleared of any wrong-doing.

"It is a good thing and I am pleased. I'm sure they (UEFA) will see what everyone else saw and act accordingly," he said.

"I can't see Bolton and their supporters will be punished in any way. Bolton supporters did absolutely nothing wrong and any blame apportioned should be to anyone other than our people.

"Our fans have supported the club brilliantly and weren't treated particularly well.

"I'm sure UEFA have got some sensible people on that committee and they will see exactly what has gone on."