UEFA investigation into Atletico-Bolton fracas

Bolton players celebrate after a UEFA Cup return leg match against Atletico de Madrid at the Vicente Calderon Stadium in Madrid on 21 February. UEFA said it has opened disciplinary proceedings against Atletico Madrid and Bolton Wanderers after clashes between the sides' fans during their UEFA Cup meeting.

UEFA said Friday it has opened disciplinary proceedings against Atletico Madrid and Bolton Wanderers after clashes between the sides' fans during their UEFA Cup meeting on February 21.

UEFA's disciplinary committee is investigating the incidents and will reveal what action it plans to take on March 20.

Bolton complained to European football's governing body at what they dubbed heavyhanded policing of their fans in Madrid, where the English Premier League strugglers claimed a 0-0 draw for a 1-0 aggregate victory and a place in the UEFA Cup last 16 for the first time.

Bolton claim supporters were subjected to "a number of assaults and unprovoked baton charges before, during, and after the game" at the Vicente Calderon stadium.

Bolton chairman Phil Gartside charged that Spanish police "overreacted" on the day.

Last April, a number of Tottenham supporters were injured during their side's UEFA Cup match at Sevilla, when the behaviour of the local police was also called into question.

Bolton meet Sporting Lisbon in the next round.