Uefa won't investigate Old Trafford violence

Updated 23.53 Tue Apr 10 2007

Keywords: football violence, Roma, Manchester United, Old Trafford, hooligans

Uefa are unlikely to investigate the violence that marred the build-up to the Champions League quarter-final at Old Trafford.

Once again there was violence outside the host venue for Manchester United's match with Roma, and 18 arrests were made by Greater Manchester Police.

"We will deal with the Rome matter but this one, I would be surprised if it ever got to us, especially because outside the stadium it really falls outside of our jurisdiction" - William Gaillard

European football's governing body launched an inquiry into the trouble that erupted inside Rome's Olympic Stadium last Wednesday.

But Uefa spokesman William Gaillard confirmed they had little jurisdiction outside grounds and that, because there was no trouble during the game, an investigation was not on the agenda.

He said: "We will deal with the Rome matter but this one, I would be surprised if it ever got to us, especially because outside the stadium it really falls outside of our jurisdiction."

Around 3,800 Roma fans flew to Manchester for tonight's game. Fighting broke out just outside the ground two hours before kick-off on Sir Matt Busby Way.

Police moved in quickly to try to break up the trouble and calm the situation.

Despite their efforts, the tension between the fans appeared to grow, with Roma fans hurling a firework into a crowd of United supporters.

At one point there was a stand-off between hundreds of United and Roma supporters, with glass and plastic bottles being thrown.