Police arrested four supporters after trouble erupted at Manchester United's Europa League victory over Real Betis last night, with missiles from the away end raining down on the disabled section at Old Trafford.
One autistic boy, aged eight, was hit by a coin and a police officer was struck by a lit firework when a group of about 50 away fans started causing trouble. The Spanish team brought 3,900 supporters to the Theatre of Dreams for last night's last 16 first leg tie with Betis, which United won 4-1.
But trouble erupted after Wout Weghorst scored United's fourth, prompting stewards and riot police to move into the away end. Supporters in the disabled section below the away end reported being pelted with coins, plastic pint pots and sausages.
Footage being shared on social media showed riot police and stewards moving into the away end where scuffles appear broke out. Some supporters could be seen scrambling over seats.
United supporters described how missiles including plastic pint pots, coins and sausages were thrown onto them, some landing in the disabled section.
Louise Rigby, 45, from Salford, said her autistic son, aged eight, was hit by a coin, although he was not hurt.
She told the M.E.N: "They were throwing sausages, hot dogs. Before the match even started they were throwing lighters and euros and packets of tissues and plastic drinks cups. We were getting stuff thrown all over us.
"Once our third goal went in, that's when it turned nasty. They were jumping over the barriers and throwing things. One coin hit my son on the back of the head. He's got special educational needs and we were sitting in the disabled area. We go to every match. There were a lot of people in wheelchairs and they were all getting things thrown at them.
"It was absolutely appalling. I'm all for rivalry but last night was so uncalled for. They were setting off flares and all sorts. They were throwing pints and other items. Even before everybody got a sense something was going to erupt."
Officials at Manchester United are understood to be concerned for the safety of supporters in the disabled section which is situated just below where away supporters are housed. They will be holding talks with the Manchester United Disabled Supporters' Association.
Club insiders say there are usually no problems during domestic fixtures but the visit of some teams from continental Europe sometimes causes problems for the disabled section.
It is understood officials from Uefa took footage of the trouble. The return leg takes place in Seville, Spain, next week.
A statement from Greater Manchester Police (GMP) said the force was working with the Spanish authorities and the two clubs following the disorder, pointing out the 'vast majority' of away fans were 'respectful and well behaved in the lead up to and during the game'.
GMP confirmed flares and pyrotechnics were lit inside the stadium by Real Betis supporters and that objects were thrown towards opposing fans. One police officer was injured after being struck by one of the fireworks thrown from the away section, according to the force.
A group of approximately 50 Betis supporters 'engaged in disorder towards the club’s stewards, officers and home fans', said the statement, adding that the trouble prompted additional police officers to be deployed 'to bring the incident under control'.
The force said four Real Betis supporters were arrested for violent disorder, assault, possession of flare inside the stadium and possession of a controlled drug. Two of them currently remain in police custody for questioning.
Chief Inspector Jamie Collins, GMP's match commander on the night, said: "The violent disorder experienced does not reflect the majority of supporters attending this fixture who went just to watch the football on the pitch.
"Last night’s behaviour by the minority was totally unacceptable and quite shocking for the decent supporters who may have got caught up in this. We are also continuing to offer the welfare needed to support one of our colleagues who was injured as a result when trying to keep the public safe.
"“GMP are working closely with Manchester United, the UK Football Policing Unit, Real Betis, UEFA and Spanish Police colleagues to identify those involved in a post-match investigation which is ongoing.
"If any supporters from Manchester United or Real Betis and those attending the game have any information or footage that can assist with enquiries, they are asked to contact Greater Manchester Police on 101 as soon as possible so we can bring those responsible to justice and also to seek, where possible, football banning orders."
Read more of today's top stories here
READ NEXT:
- LIVE Greater Manchester snow and traffic updates as roads closed and M62 drivers stuck for hours in 'awful blizzard conditions'
- Attorney General to consider whether sentences handed to Thomas Campbell's killers were 'unduly lenient'
- Real Betis fans clash with police in ugly scenes during Manchester United's Europa League win
- Mum's anguish as son, 32, fighting for life 5,000 miles from home
- 'Your whole life was robbed... our hearts are broken': Sister of young woman murdered by 'pathetic' thug pays tribute as killer faces justice
