Inter Milan have denied allegations that
Jose Mourinho assaulted a fan after the Champions League tie versus
Manchester United at Old Trafford.
Greater Manchester Police are investigating a claim that a
fan was punched by the former Chelsea manager shortly after Inter
crashed out of the Champions League.
A statement from Inter read: "At the end of the game, the
Portuguese tactician gave interviews to the European media, signed
autographs, watched the penalties of the Roma v Arsenal game before
saluting (Sir Alex) Ferguson in his office.
"After giving the last interview to Inter Channel, he entered
the team bus that was parked outside the dressing rooms and hence
it was a very calm post-game experience."
The allegation was one of common assault against Mourinho, with
the claim that he punched a supporter close to the Inter team bus
as the Italian side left the stadium.
GMP contacted United to request CCTV footage of the area and
have confirmed a complaint has been made.
"Shortly before midnight last night a man reported that he had
been punched in the face outside Old Trafford," a police statement
read.
"We are investigating an allegation of common assault."
United would only confirm they are aware of the allegation and
are making no further comment.
The allegation came at the end of a bad night for Mourinho, who
watched his team's European campaign come to an end, with Nemanja
Vidic and Cristiano Ronaldo grabbing United's goals at the start of
each half.
Although the former Chelsea manager was in jovial mood, shaking
hands with Red Devils supporters as he made his way to the
visitors' dug-out before kick-off and after half-time and enjoyed a
friendly post-match chat with Ferguson, he came under sustained
attack from the Italian media for his failure to get Inter
through.
"If anyone wishes to criticise my team, they will have to fight
me," he said at one point, those comments coming via an official
interpreter.
Although he has taken Inter to the top of Serie A, his
relationship with the local press is far from smooth, a fact that
has only fuelled a belief that he could one day replace Ferguson at
Old Trafford.
The plane taking the Inter party back to Milan left Manchester
at 12.25am last night, once Mourinho had concluded his post-match
obligations and enjoyed his meeting with Ferguson.
The fan who made the complaint is not from the Greater
Manchester area and did not report any injuries to police or need
treatment.
