Mick Regan, the Greater Manchester police officer subjected to a sickening attack by a gang of feral Rangers fans in the aftermath of Wednesday evening's Uefa Cup final, was asked yesterday what the big problem had been. His reply was succinct: alcohol. It was evident from the clear-up operation that industrial quantities of drink had been consumed on the day. This is nothing to be proud of. Nor does indulging in a binge-fest excuse in any sense the behaviour of those supporters who brought shame on their club and caused embarrassment to Glasgow, the home of Rangers, and the wider Scottish nation. At best, the gross abuse of alcohol provides a context for the inexplicable.

Most of the perhaps 200,000 fans who went to the party of their making behaved themselves. It bears repeating that only some 40 have been arrested or charged. But this occasion (yes, it was a sporting event) will be remembered, in Britain at least, for the scenes of violence and disorder that, in the age of the camera-equipped mobile phone and internet platform, can be broadcast to a global audience in minutes.The perpetrators are irresponsible. That much is cliche. Irresponsibility takes on a deeper significance in the global media village.

Thus Sir David Murray, the Rangers chairman, responds promptly and correctly, promising that lifetime bans will be imposed on those convicted. Steven Purcell, the leader of Glasgow City Council, tells Manchester he is ashamed. Manchester United announce they have postponed the parade planned after Wednesday's Champions League final against Chelsea. Rangers fans are no longer welcome in Manchester. Will the city welcome Scots of other, or no, affiliation? Make no mistake. Damage has been caused to reputations beyond Copland Road. Wednesday's events demonstrate that we need to interrogate the case for enabling such large numbers to descend upon a city and indulge relentlessly in drinking.

The planning of Manchester City Council and the strategies of the police must be part of that analysis. Confusing messages were sent out about whether fans would be welcome to watch the match on giant screens. When policy was finally clarified, was there enough time to manage the influx to the satisfaction of the authorities and the fans, most of whom had come to enjoy themselves? Were there sufficient toilet facilities, water stations and food outlets? Was the police intelligence operation on the ground geared up to identify potential flashpoints and keep the crowds moving? Did the police respond in a heavy-handed way?

Evidently, the response was proportionate, as when Mr Regan and others were attacked and there was looting. There will be lessons to learn on many fronts. Perhaps, on Wednesday's showing, it is just as well Rangers do not often reach major European finals. That might seem churlish given the efforts of the club and the behaviour of the great majority of its fans. Unfortunately, most clubs still attract a thuggish element. The challenge for all is to ensure that element does not exert a malign influence, especially if it has a primitive relationship with alcohol.