D-DAY FOR LILLE

Last updated : 22 March 2007 By Ed
From the Times

There will be more interest at Old Trafford in the outcome of today's meeting of Uefa's control and disciplinary body, which is investigating the crowd disturbances at the Barclays Premiership leaders' Champions League match away to Lille at the Félix-Bol-laert Stadium, Lens, last month.

United were appalled by the treatment of their supporters in Lens, with the French police firing teargas into the visiting fans' section of the ground, but, while Lille face the threat of heavy sanctions, United could also be fined for "failing to control their supporters", after the French club complained that overcrowding in the stadium was caused by counterfeit tickets produced in England.

Uefa confirmed last night that a weighty dossier had been sent from Manchester, with United forwarding statements and e-mails from fans complaining about their treatment.

Lille seem certain to face censure — with one possibility that they will be banned from staging European matches in Lens, having been forced to do so because their stadium does not meet Uefa's requirements — but they, too, have submitted statements, blaming United's fans for some of the issues that arose on the night.

"According to our regulations, Lille theoretically could be suspended from playing matches at this stadium," a Uefa official said last night. "But it is wrong to speculate as there is a lot to discuss."