The Roma Argument Drags On

No matter what is said or done, the crowd trouble that occurred at Roma in the Champions League will just not go away… and will most probably get worse before the final leg of the tie next week. Today, Itailian police have released video footage, much like that shown above, that they suggests proves the fact that Manchester United fans charged at the police and thus provoked a reaction rather then being victimized by the Italian officers of the law.

 The videos do actually make it appear that way. At least 18 Manchester United fans were injured and no doubt a small minority will retaliate to get revenge on Wednesday.

It may be interesting to see what stance UEFA takes because they have already handed United a fine as a result of the crowd trouble that occurred in Lyon in the last round. This time the club will not get off as easily.

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Lille…. Again!

                                   

Today, Lille went to the UEFA appealing body to complain against the goal that Manchester United’s Ryan Giggs scored against them last week in their Champions League first leg match for progression to the quarter finals. They lost, again, but it is not the last we have seen of the argument. 

Lille travel to Old Trafford next week for the second leg and will play under protest before taking their appeal to the court of arbitration if the do go out of the competition. Manchester United should not be worried because it is doubtful that Lille will get the ruling overturned, but it may prove to be a distraction in their quest to progress. The main problem is that if Lille are successful in overturning the decision, it may leave football wide open for many similar protests that may indefinitely suspend a season and cast doubt over the legitimacy of winners. This is a crisis that referees have brought on themselves, but could bring about the downfall of football as we know it. 

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