Old Trafford clashes 'could have been avoided'

The violent clashes before Manchester United’s Champions League tie against Roma could have been avoided “in hindsight”, a fans’ spokesman said today.

Sean Bones, spokesman of the Manchester United Supporters’ Trust, said it “may have been wise” to have let the Italian supporters into the ground early before home fans gathered en masse.

Hundreds of supporters were caught up in ugly scenes outside Old Trafford before last night’s game as a stand-off ensued between rival fans who were separated by riot police and dog handlers.

Police arrested 21 supporters – 14 English and seven Italian – which marred United’s 7-1 quarter-final, second-leg victory.

Bones said: “The police said they dealt with a few small, isolated incidents and there was nothing on the scale of what happened to Manchester United fans in Rome last week.

“In hindsight, it may have been wise to let the Roma fans into the ground early, but that is obviously something the club and the police will think about in the future.

“Nothing should detract from the magnificent performance on the field by the players. It was one of the greatest games in Manchester United’s European history and no amount of superlatives could describe the quality of the game.”

Several Roma supporters criticised the delay in getting them into the stadium after many had arrived nearly three hours before kick-off.

Some claimed that Old Trafford club officials refused their requests to go inside before home fans began gathering.

They were bombarded with bottles and cans of beer as they were subjected to weapon searches at the away end turnstiles in Sir Matt Busby Way.