Manchester United and Marouane Fellaini escape Uefa punishment after incidents in Liverpool defeat

Manchester United and midfielder Marouane Fellaini have both escaped punishment from Uefa following incidents in the Europa League last 16 first leg defeat to Liverpool at Anfield. United's supporters directed chants eluding to the disasters at Hillsborough and Heysel during the game, while Fellaini appeared to catch Emre Can with an elbow in second half stoppage time – however neither will face further sanctions.

United released a statement condemning the actions of their supporters and pledged to engage with groups of fans in order to clamp down on future episodes. Meanwhile, manager Louis van Gaal claimed not to have seen the incident involving Fellaini but former referee Howard Webb said he expected European football's governing body to take action.

However, for retrospective action to be taken the incidents must be included in the referee's match report submitted after the game. As official Carlos Velasco Carballo omitted both acts from his post-game notes Uefa are unable to take any action against United

"The reports of the match officials did not include any mention of the alleged incidents, therefore no disciplinary proceedings have been opened for this," a Uefa statement read, according to Eurosport. The news means Fellaini will be available for United for the second leg as they bid to overturn a two-goal deficit at Old Trafford.

Daniel Sturridge and Roberto Firmino scored in either half to help Liverpool put one foot in the quarter-final and leave United on the precipice of an exit from a second European competition of the season. Anthony Martial's goal helped secure a replay in the FA Cup quarter-final tie with West Ham United, preventing the club suffering from a third defeat in a week.