THE leader of Glasgow City Council has refused to give evidence into a review of arrangements for the violence-hit Uefa Cup Final in Manchester.

Manchester City Council asked Steven Purcell for his comments on the match he attended as officials prepared for a meeting of councillors today.

But Glasgow's leader refused to say anything about the organisation, police tactics or fan behaviour, stating that he didn't see anything because he was inside the ground.

Uefa President Michel Platini took time out from Euro 2008 to give authorities his thoughts.

In a letter, he said the final "helped to strengthen the value of pure football atmosphere, unpredictability and togetherness", adding that the violence shouldn't "overshadow the extraordinary work done by the city of Manchester".

But Mr Purcell insisted: "I am not best placed to comment.

"I was in the stadium when the trouble began and consequently did not witness either the trouble, the lead up to it or the police's response to that trouble."

A Glasgow City Council spokesman said: "Councillor Purcell spoke to various people after the event including Strathclyde Police, the leader of Manchester City Council and Rangers Football Club.

"He decided that Strathclyde Police were best placed to respond."

A Manchester spokeswoman said: "Mr Purcell would not have been as close to the operational side of things. He wasn't right in the thick of it."

A Strathclyde Police spokeswoman said: "We are working closely with Greater Manchester Police on their investigation into the disorder on May 14."

Fans spent more than £20million in Manchester in addition to almost £6m on accommodation costs.