UEFA holds fire on riot sanctions

UEFA communications director William Gaillard has insisted football’s European governing body have not yet discussed possible sanctions against Manchester United, Tottenham and Roma following the outbreaks of crowd trouble this week.

Spurs fans were involved in ugly clashes with Spanish riot police during last night’s defeat by Sevilla – similar scenes to those seen at the Roma v United match on Wednesday.

UEFA have launched investigations into both incidents and it seems likely the three clubs will face disciplinary charges, and possibly Sevilla as well.

The expulsion of Dutch club Feyenoord from the last round of the UEFA Cup has led to fears that UEFA could take similar action again, but Gaillard would not be drawn on possible punishments.

Gaillard said: “We are at a very early stage in terms of the investigation in terms of the Manchester United and Roma incidents. We are at an even earlier stage of Sevilla v Tottenham.

“Any talk of sanctions is pure speculation, it has not been discussed. The control and disciplinary body is a a fully independent body and we and they will look at the evidence. It makes no sense to talk about sanctions or punishments at this stage.”