13/03/2009

Inter Milan Deny Mourinho Assault Allegations

Inter Milan have denied allegations that manager Jose Mourinho assaulted a fan after Wednesday's Champions League match.

Mourinho allegedly punched the Manchester United supporter in the face close to the Inter team bus as he left Old Trafford following his team’s defeat.

Greater Manchester Police said they are investigating an allegation of common assault.

An Inter spokesman said: "As far as we are concerned, nothing happened and there is no truth in it at all."

The Italian side also issued a statement claiming nothing untoward happened after the match: "At the end of the game, [Mourinho] gave interviews to the European media, signed autographs, watched the penalties of the Roma v Arsenal game before meeting [Sir Alex] Ferguson in his office.

"After giving the last interview to the Inter Channel, he entered the team bus that was parked outside the dressing rooms and therefore it was a very calm post-game experience."

A Greater Manchester Police spokesman said: "Just before midnight on Wednesday 11 March 2009, a man reported he'd been punched in the face outside Old Trafford.

"Police are investigating this common assault allegation. Inquiries are ongoing."

Police have contacted Manchester United to request CCTV footage of the area and have confirmed a complaint has been made.

The supporter went into Stretford police station, close to Old Trafford, to allege the attack had taken place.

It has been reported the attack, which Mourinho denies, took place after United fans gathered on Sir Matt Busby Way outside the ground chanting "you're going home, you're going home" as they boarded the bus home shortly after midnight on Wednesday.

(JM/BMcC)

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