Gartside demands police attack probe
Angry Bolton chairman Phil Gartside has demanded a full inquiry into unprovoked attacks by Spanish police on travelling fans.
Gartside was sickened by reports that 17 fans were injured by indiscriminate police action and is calling on UEFA and the Spanish authorities to carry out a thorough investigation.
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Baton charge: Riot police wade in to the Bolton supporters' end
Bolton's chairman said the thuggery had 'taken the shine off a momentous evening in club history' as Bolton reached the last 16 of the UEFA Cup for the first time with a goalless draw against Atletico Madrid, winning 1-0 on aggregate.
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An Atletico fan readies himself to launch a chair at the Bolton fans at Vicente Calderon stadium
Spanish police in riot gear charge against Athletico Madrid supporters in the stands
Fans among the 3,500 visiting support fell foul of an over-enthusiastic zerotolerance policy pursued by some of the 350 armed officers.
Many people were harassed by mounted police and their baton-wielding colleagues as they queued to get into the Vicente Calderon Stadium and others were hurt when the buoyant Bolton section was baton-charged as trouble flared after the final whistle.
Fan Janet Peel said: 'They treated us like animals when we got to the stadium. They got their batons out for no reason. It was chaos.'
Gartside said: 'I have great sympathy for any of our supporters who've been injured by what is clearly an overreaction by Spanish police.
'Our fans gave us magnificent support and this has taken the shine off what has been a momentous evening in the club's history.
'We will be pursuing the matter at the highest level and seeking an explanation from the Spanish authorities. We will also be conducting our own investigation.'
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A Bolton spokesman added: 'The directors are upset and disturbed at the apparent over-zealous and disproportionate actions of the Spanish police.
'The fans were subjected to a number of assaults and unprovoked baton charges before, during and after the game.'
A UEFA spokesman said they would be guided by their delegate's report, but in the circumstances they will have little option but to open their own investigation.
Eyewitnesses claimed several fans received head wounds from a baton charge sparked by scuffles between opposing fans as Bolton's were being held back at the end of the match.
