O.Marseille - Manchester United - 24/02/2011
Source : Dailymail.co.uk
United fans in flare probe as UEFA investigate crowd trouble at Champions League tie
UEFA have launched separate investigations into Manchester United and Marseille over incidents that occurred during Wednesday's Champions League clash at the Stade Velodrome.
Seven United fans are believed to have been arrested on the night, including four who lit a red flare in the away section of the ground.
They were identified on camera and arrested by police as they left the stadium. The four were due to appear in court and could face six-month jail sentences, which was the punishment handed out to Chelsea fans found guilty of a similar offence at Marseille in December.
UEFA's disciplinary panel will deliver its verdict on the incident on March 17. The other United fans detained are believed to have clashed with French police outside the ground and in a hangar set up behind it to carry out stringent security checks.
Fans complained of heavy-handed tactics and some were reported to have needed hospital treatment as a result. Others said they were crushed as police with riot shields surged forward without reason.
UEFA's disciplinary hearing will also decide what action to take against Marseille after their fans appeared to shine laser pens at United players - in particular to try and distract Nani while he was taking a corner.
United were involved in a similar incident in France in February 2008 when Lyon were fined £2,520 after Cristiano Ronaldo was targeted by a laser pen in a Champions League knockout tie at the Stade Gerland.
'It's dangerous for the players and we won't tolerate it,' said a UEFA spokesman, who confirmed Marseille will not be investigated over objects thrown on to the pitch.