ABSOLUTE DISGRACE
Last updated : 03 September 2003 By Editor
UEFA have fined United £14’000 for supporter misbehaviour at
the Bernabeu last season. UEFA released this statement:
"Fans from Manchester arrived without tickets and there were
scuffles outside the ground as they started trying to get
through the barriers. Real Madrid were fined because their
security measures were not as good as they could be."
United released a statement which said:
“Although we put forward strong evidence and arguments in
our defence to UEFA's control and disciplinary body, we
reluctantly accept the fine because under UEFA rules clubs
are always responsible for the conduct of their supporters.
“Separately, Manchester United has made representations to
the British Consul General in Madrid on behalf of United
supporters who complained about the treatment they received
at the hands of the Spanish police before the game. The
Consul is currently looking into the matter.”
IMUSA spokesman Mark Longden put the fans side across:
"What exactly are we being punished for - putting our heads
in the way of police truncheons? The behaviour of the
Spanish police was disgusting and I'm sad to say it's
something we experience regularly abroad. The problems
started because only one or two turnstiles were open as the
game was about to start. The police then waded in, hitting
out indiscriminately."
