European football’s governing body, Uefa, confirmed on Wednesday that they have officially opened an investigation into incidents that marred the Champions League last 16, first-leg match between Manchester United and Lille in Lens.
Tear gas was used during the match, which United won 1-0 at the Stade Felix-Bollaert on Tuesday night.
The investigation will also look at possible ticketing problems that led to supporters appearing to be in danger of being crushed against a 10-foot high safety barrier.
At least two supporters, one a schoolboy, were lifted over the barrier while security officials slammed shut a gate that had been pushed open by United supporters trying to relieve the pressure.
What could have been a chilling reminder of the Hillsborough tragedy in 1989 was not aided by the arrival of French riot police who fired tear gas into the stand.
Ironically, Lille play their European matches at Lens because their Metropole stadium does not meet Uefa standards.
A statement from Europe’s governing body read: ”Uefa has officially opened an investigation into events at the Champions League first knockout round first-leg match between Lille and Manchester United in Lens on Tuesday night.”
The matter will be discussed at the next ordinary meeting of the Uefa Control and Disciplinary Body on March 22.
Meanwhile, Uefa said that they would also be looking into allegations of unsporting conduct by Bayern Munich’s Dutch midfielder, Marc van Bommel, who scored his side’s second goal in their 3-2 defeat against Real Madrid in Tuesday night’s Champions League first knockout round first leg in Spain. — Sapa-AFP