STAY OFF THE LASH

UEFA have asked Manchester United to warn fans to cut down on their drinking ahead of the Champions League semi-final trip to face AC Milan next month.

A UEFA investigation is currently ongoing into the events surrounding the first leg of the Red Devils' quarter-final tie with AS Roma.

But, while most observers felt it was the visiting fans who were wronged, both at that game and in the previous round against Lille when trouble also flared, UEFA spokesman William Gaillard does not believe the Old Trafford club can completely absolve themselves of all responsibility.

"There are no special concerns about the game in Milan," he said.

"It is a different city, a different stadium and a different team. There was trouble in Seville last week but none on Tuesday when Chelsea played Valencia.

"If everyone behaves in a proper way, we should have a smooth sailing but Manchester United has to brief its fans and tell them what is appropriate.

"There has been a problem with drink and it would be nice if the supporters were advised not to do it.

"I realise this is a difficult thing but people are putting themselves at risk because they stop behaving in a rational way.

"UEFA are still investigating what happened in Rome, so we have to be careful, but there is shared responsibility for most situations, even if there is not equal responsibility."