United and Roma could be punished

UEFA have announced they will launch an investigation into the crowd trouble which marred the Champions League match in Rome where baton-wielding riot police charged United fans, while both sets of supporters threw missiles.

UEFA communications director William Gaillard said: "We will be waiting for the delegate's report and the control and disciplinary body will be looking at the television images to see the dynamics of what actually happened."

Disciplinary action would be a real concern for United as it is less than two weeks since they were fined by UEFA for trouble involving their fans during the last-16 first leg against Lille.

And Gaillard, who was in the stadium for the match, added: "I only saw glimpses of what went on, I saw some missiles flying and the police charging. We will also have to see what role Manchester United fans had in the incidents because they had some problems in Lens earlier this year."

Roma could face action if they are judged to have failed in their security arrangements but if United fans are judged to have a played a significant role in provoking the police's reaction they could be in trouble.

UEFA are not expected to make a decision on any disciplinary action until after the Easter weekend.

Trouble flared after rival fans surged towards a barrier separating them and missiles were thrown. Riot police responded with some savagery and officers were seen repeatedly striking United supporters, including at least two as they lay on the floor.

However, Gaillard said UEFA had little control over the police.

"Italian law says police are responsible for public order inside stadiums. Stadia in Italy are municipal stadiums, they are not the property of the club," he added on Radio Five Live. "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."