Chaotic night for United in France

UEFA announce probe after Lille tie

Celtic deny Milan

—– As the Champions League reaches the knockout stages, Manchester United secure a one-goal advantage after the away leg against Lille but that is about the only bright spot during a chaotic night in France.
With Lille’s ground deemed unsuitable, the tie is played at RC Lens’ compact Stade Felix-Bollaert ground.
The centre of attention during a drab first-half is the lower section of away terracing where United supporters appear to be crushed due to overcrowding.
Two people are lifted over the ten-foot high fence.
In scenes reminiscent of the worst from years ago, the local riot police’s response includes the firing of tear gas.
Order is restored before more controversy follows.
Ryan Giggs scores the only goal after 83 minutes while Lille are still assembling their wall for a free-kick.
Their players are incensed by the award of the goal and walk off the pitch in protest before returning.
United manager Sir Alex Ferguson could barely believe what he witnessed: “I have never seen that before in all my years in football. That is a disgrace and UEFA have to do something about that because it was pure intimidation of the referee.
“The Lille staff encouraged their players to come off and that made it a hostile atmosphere inside the ground. It’s a disgrace.”
A UEFA spokesman confirms they will investigate the night’s events.

—– Thankfully, Arsenal experience a much more peaceful atmosphere in Holland.
Unfortunately, they don’t enjoy the same success as it’s PSV Eindhoven who take the one-goal first leg lead via a second-half strike from Edison Mendez.
Having looked comfortable in the first-half, Gunners boss Arsene Wenger struggles to explain their post-break display: “What happened in the second half is difficult to say. We dropped our level of cohesion, our passing and fluency went. We created barely anything.”

—– Celtic’s hopes of reaching the Champions League quarter-finals are still alive after a goalless draw with AC Milan at Parkhead.
The major landmark of the evening is Milan’s Paolo Maldini’s 100th Champions League appearance.

—– West Bromwich Albion’s 1-0 win against Cardiff City at The Hawthorns lifts the Baggies in to second place in the Championship, only a point behind leaders Derby County.
Sunderland’s promotion aspirations are given further credibility after a 1-1 draw at Birmingham City. Blues equalise in the last minute as the Black Cats move up to fifth.
They go above Southampton who lose 1-2 at Coventry City in Iain Dowie’s first game in charge of the Sky Blues.
In the key relegation battles, Barnsley beat Hull City 3-0 at Oakwell while Queens Park Rangers hold out for a goalless draw at Leeds United.

—– Scunthorpe United’s incredible season continues as a 2-0 win at Swansea City sees the Iron go six points clear at the top of League One. They also equal their club record of 12 away games without defeat.
Oldham Athletic slump to a 0-3 defeat at Port Vale while Yeovil Town move up to third following a 2-0 win at AFC Bournemouth.
In a complete reverse of recent form, Leyton Orient move clear of the bottom four with a 5-2 win at Millwall. Norwich City loanee Ryan Jarvis hits a hat-trick in only his second game for the Os.

—– Hartlepool United are the new leaders of League Two following their 3-2 win against Macclesfield Town at Victoria Park.
Pool replace Walsall who lose 0-1 at Stockport County. The Hatters equal their club record of eight consecutive league wins which has stood since 1928. Keeper Wayne Hennessey (on loan from Wolverhampton Wanderers) has yet to concede a goal in his eight-game senior career.
Lincoln City and Swindon Town fail to cash-in on the Saddlers slip-up as the Imps crash to a 1-4 home defeat by Hereford United while the Robins lose 0-1 at Barnet.