Lille could face punishment from UEFA following the incidents which marred Manchester United’s Champions League win in Lens.

European football’s governing body are expected to launch an investigation into the crowd disturbances, with United appealing for eye-witness reports after there appeared to be a crush of visiting supporters against a 10-foot high safety barrier. Police also used tear gas.

"The match delegate’s report can take 48 hours to receive after the match," said a UEFA Cup spokesman. "Based on that we will decide if any action will be taken or not.

"It is not the first time this season, the Feyenoord case was very recent and that was an issue of crowd trouble and security."

Feyenoord were kicked out of the UEFA Cup this season after crowd trouble marred their tie against Nancy, with the Court of Arbitration for Sport upholding the decision.

Officials of the Dutch club appealed against the team being punished, with financial manager Onno Jacobs pleading for an alternative sanctions.

However, the eventual CAS decision was welcomed by new UEFA president Michel Platini, with Feyenoord’s prospective opponents Tottenham receiving a bye into the last 16.

United’s victory in Lens also saw Lille threaten to walk off the pitch following Ryan Giggs’ controversial free-kick winner.

United boss Sir Alex Ferguson called for action following the behaviour of the French side, and after Gary Neville was hit by a missile thrown from the crowd.

UEFA spokesman Rob Faulkner told BBC Online: "Having seen what went on on the security side and in the match itself, it would be standard procedure for the referee to report the incidents and for the control and disciplinary committee to take the appropriate action."

He added: "The whole issue of Lille playing in that stadium will also need to be addressed.

"We cannot say now what action the disciplinary committee will take, but if they find against Lille, it could well be severe."

United keeper Edwin van der Sar complained of double vision afterwards, while many away supporters expressed their disgust at the treatment they had received.

Television companies suggested the problem was caused by stadium officials allowing supporters with tickets for different sections of the ground entrance into that enclosure.

If that is proved, Lille could receive a heavy punishment from UEFA.

United assistant secretary Ken Ramsden met with UEFA delegates, FA representatives who were at the game as well as members of the Lille hierarchy while the police will also be asked for their input into any inquiry.

"We have obviously received a lot of information from various sources but we would welcome any more detail from fans in the affected area because it is important we establish precisely what has happened," said United director of communications Phil Townsend