Italian politicians blame English for brawl

By Deepa Babington

ROME (Reuters) - Italian politicians jumped to defend local police forces accused of using excessive force at Wednesday's match between Manchester United and AS Roma, with some pointing the finger back at the English.

Clashes between rival supporters and police during the Champions League tie injured at least 18 fans -- 15 of them English. European football's governing body has opened an investigation into the violence, while United asked the British government to do the same.

But Italian Economy ministry under-secretary Paolo Cento, who also chairs a club of Roma supporters in parliament, said the blame lay with the English club -- which had warned travelling fans that they could be attacked in Rome -- rather than with the police.

"It was Manchester that a few days before the match created a mood of tension, talking of a city of violence and danger," Cento told ANSA news agency.

"Now the English club must apologise to Rome and Italy, rather than asking for (Prime Minister Tony) Blair to intervene."

English fans did not follow police orders such as a ban on bringing alcohol into the stadium, he said.

"DOING THEIR DUTY"

Italy's Senate vice-president Mario Baccini said Italian police at the match were far more restrained than their foreign counterparts usually are.