Man Utd fans in Lens crush scare
Manchester United fans were involved in a security scare
during the Champions League tie against Lille amid scares they were
being crushed in the stands. A problem erupted 15 minutes into the
match at Lens' Stade Felix-Bollaert, with some fans being pushed
against the 10-foot-high metal security fences.
Fans reacted angrily, prompting riot police to fire tear gas into
the stand. However, after two fans, one an elderly woman, were
lifted over the barriers to safety, the unrest was quelled. United
goalkeeper Edwin Van der Sar suffered double vision as a result of
the tear gas fired into the stand.
Television reports suggested the gates at the back of the stand had
been opened by police to allow Red Devils supporters with tickets
for the home section of the stadium to sit with their own fans.
United had expressed concerns about the basic facilities at the
ground before the match.
Uefa spokesman Rob Faulkner said: "Having seen what went on on the
security side and in the match itself, it would be standard
procedure for the referee to report the incidents and for the
Control and Disciplinary Committee to take the appropriate
action.
"The whole issue of Lille playing in that stadium will also need to
be addressed. "We cannot say now what action the Disciplinary
Committee will take, but if they find against Lille, it could well
be severe."
United were surprised Lille were allowed to move the game to the
compact 42,000 stadium in northern France rather than a larger,
more modern venue like the Stade de France.
Manchester United secretary Ken Ramsden revealed the club would
meet with Uefa and Football Association officials after the game to
discuss the incident.
A Manchester United club official, at the match, said he had not
been made aware of any injuries to fans.
