Manchester United fans complain that police reaction was over the top

MANCHESTER United supporters were caught in a crush scare during Tuesday's 1-0 Champions League win over Lille.

Riot police fired tear gas into the overcrowded away section of the Stade Felix-Bollaert early in the game.

Some visiting fans appeared to be crushed against a 3m-high metal fence. They then accused the police of beating them with batons.

At least two supporters, one a schoolboy, were lifted over the barrier. Security officials slammed shut a gate which had been pushed open by United supporters trying to relieve the pressure.

United fan Mark Harrison, who saw police hitting supporters with batons, said: 'One young woman fell forward and was crushed against the fence.

'She was crying and tried to climb over the fence. When all the other fans saw this, they started to panic and did the same thing.

'The police reaction was well over the top. They started spraying us with pepper spray. My eyes were streaming and I couldn't breathe.'

United have confirmed goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar suffered double vision as a result of the tear gas.

Another United fan told The Guardian that the overcrowding was caused by Lille officials' slapdash admissions policy.

'They weren't checking tickets, just waving everyone in,' he said.

'I travelled with a few guys who didn't have tickets and they got in. That's why we ended up with more people in there than seats.'

The incident sounded similar to the 1989 Hillsborough disaster in Sheffield, England.

Police at the English FA Cup semi-final allowed fans into an already-crowded terrace section, and 96 people were crushed to death along the perimeter fence.

United want to hear from fans who may have been involved before submitting a report to Uefa.

Uefa spokesman Rob Faulkner told the BBC: 'We cannot say now what action the disciplinary committee will take. But, if they find against Lille, it could well be severe.'

Tuesday's incident follows others earlier this season.

In Italy, there was the death of a police officer in Sicily at a Serie A match.

In Germany, a riot injured dozens of police.

In France, a police officer was shot to death while protecting a fan from rioters at a Paris Saint-Germain game.

AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE, REUTERS