Bolton complain about police behaviour

Bolton have lodged an official complaint over the treatment of their supporters in Madrid.

After a 0-0 draw with Atletico Madrid in Spain, Bolton claimed travelling supporters were subjected to "a number of assaults and unprovoked baton charges before, during, and after the game".

Bolton said the treatment was "overzealous and disproportionate" and they will work with Greater Manchester Police and the British Embassy to establish the precise course of events.

The goalless draw was good enough to send Bolton through to the last 16 of the Uefa Cup for the first time in their history, but chairman Phil Gartside claims the police behaviour soured the team's achievement.

He said: "I have great sympathy for any of our supporters who have been injured by what is clearly an overreaction by the Spanish police. Our fans gave us magnificent support on the night and this has taken the shine off what has been a momentous evening in the club's history."

"Bolton Wanderers Football Club will be pursuing the matter at the highest level and seeking an explanation from the Spanish authorities. We will also be conducting our own internal investigation and information-gathering process."

A statement issued by Bolton read: "The directors of Bolton Wanderers Football Club are upset and disturbed at the apparent overzealous and disproportionate actions of the Spanish police towards our supporters during Thursday night's Uefa Cup return-leg at Atletico Madrid.

"The club's fans were subjected to a number of assaults and unprovoked baton charges before, during, and after the game, in addition to the aggressive use of police horses to manoeuvre fans towards the Vicente Calderon stadium.

"Bolton Wanderers has launched an official protest with Uefa and its security delegates, who witnessed the behaviour of the local police force, and the club is currently in liaison with the Greater Manchester Police and the British Embassy to ascertain further information.

"Bolton Wanderers supporters have an impeccable reputation and an excellent record of good behaviour when travelling abroad to European matches, and the club believes the actions of the Madrid police are entirely unacceptable."

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