Barthez in police probe after Leeds game

Manchester United goalkeeper Fabien Barthez is understood to be at the centre of a police investigation following an incident during his side’s 1-0 defeat by Leeds at Elland Road.

A complaint is believed to have been made against Barthez after he reacted angrily to Leeds scoring what proved to be the winner in the 66th minute from Harry Kewell.

The 31-year-old France international apparently picked up his plastic drinks bottle lying in the goalmouth and kicked it through the net, where it hit a disabled supporter.

The fracas has been referred to West Yorkshire police, with a spokeswoman stating: “We have been made aware of an incident and we will be investigating.”

While the return of Rio Ferdinand forced the police to heighten security above and beyond their normal procedures for a category A match, that did not stop trouble flaring.

Eleven arrests were made as fighting broke out on a number of occasions between the rivals sets of supporters, resulting in injuries to two police officers.

“Sporadic outbreaks of disorder before and after the match were dealt with by the police,” confirmed the spokeswoman, who added: “Two police officers were injured and required medical attention.”

It is also understood one of the Manchester United supporters’ buses was damaged, with reports the team bus was vandalised proving unfounded.