The debate continues this morning over who is to blame for the violence which erupted in the Steaua Stadium in Bucharest. TV coverage showed a group of fans clashing with police who were wading into the crowd with batons and CS gas.
The trouble came to light at half time when Sky Sports broadcast what seemed to be an isolated incident. Stewards in yellow bibs and security kitted up with riot gear went head-to-head with an enraged section of the 2,000 strong Rangers support.
Some fans were seen ripping up chairs and covering their faces with plastic flags to protect themselves from the burning gas as they were driven back into the stands.
Tannoy announcements ordered by UEFA warned fans that the match would be abandoned and the governing body's officials carried out an immediate port-mortem at the end of the game ahead of a more in-depth investigation.
But Rangers representatives have slammed the local organisers and the heavy handed approach of the police. Rangers chief executive Martin Bain insisted that the actions of the police were at the root of the problem.
"When they arrived this evening there were only two turnstiles open which caused difficulty gaining access and fans then to be sprayed with CS gas is totally unacceptable.”
"That therefore led to tension inside the stadium which I find it totally unacceptable, and I will make representation to UEFA."
Speaking to TV reporters after the match, Rangers Supporters Assembly president Andy Kerr admitted that fans had tried to force entry after finding just two gates open, prompting local police to start spraying fans with CS gas.
He added: “The last time we had similar problems was in Artmedia Bratislava. They always seem surprised that we all turn up at the same time to try to get in.
Another fan told the Scottish Sun: "It was terrifying - the police treated us like animals.
"They were attacking the fans at the front for no reason, hitting them with batons and spraying them with gas.
"Then they started to come up the stairs towards us, doing the same things. Men were running away from them with huge cuts in their heads, with blood pouring out of them."
Last updated: 05 November 2009, 08:33
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