Authorities in Manchester yesterday defended their hosting of the Uefa Cup final amid complaints from fans and residents alike.

Council, police and other public services were overwhelmed on Wednesday as an officially-estimated 150,000 Rangers supporters descended on the city for the club's biggest game in 36 years.

Some 200 fans clashed with police after a big screen set up in the city centre broke down minutes before it was supposed to show the match with Zenit St Petersburg.

However, many more supporters claimed the city had failed to provide basic facilities for the crowd, including toilets, and locals criticised litter collection.

Sir Richard Leese, the leader of the council, angrily rejected claims that council failures contributed to trouble.

He said: "We are clearly disappointed that a great night was soured by a small number of people. We had an unprecedented number of people come to Manchester, between 100,000 and 150,0000. It is the biggest movement of that size for an event of this nature.

"For most of the day and in most parts of the city we had a carnival atmosphere. Most people were good humoured and a credit to their city.

"Whether it was the big screen going down or a problem with alcohol, the behaviour of this small minority of yobs was not acceptable.

"If you are going to put the blame on anyone then it has to be on these people."

The police took the unusual step of issuing video footage of problems with fans after some critics, including Tory MSP Murdo Fraser, said their use of riot squads was "questionable".

The images reassured people, including Mr Fraser, that Greater Manchester Police had not been heavy-handed with the troublemakers on the streets.

The council insisted that it had a strong track record of hosting big sporting events - including the Commonwealth Games. However, did the Uefa Cup final overwhelm them?

Privately, officials had admitted they were rooting for Fiorentina in the semis.

Not because they did not like the Scottish club but because they could not cope with the anticipated number of fans.

Sir Richard stressed most of the fan zones worked well. One of the biggest, Piccadilly Gardens, had overspilled hours before the game with crowds closing down Manchester's tram system and being forced to go to the toilet in the street.

Bottles were easily smuggled into the area, providing the weapons for trouble.

"Our overall strategy was a success," Sir Richard insisted.

Asked if Manchester's compact city centre was suitable for the massive street party, Justine Curran, assistant chief constable, said: "Of course, if you have more space, it would be easier to manage."

She admitted: "It was challenging and we were stretched. Our officers did come under a degree of violent attacks.

"I am happy we responded appropriately. We could not let those minor disturbances affect the day for everybody.

"I am satisfied our reaction was appropriate. I watched the scenes in Piccadilly Gardens from the control room.

"I saw officers chased down a street by a baying mob of around 200 people. We had to do something."

A spokesman for Uefa said: "Both the municipal government and Manchester police have done a fantastic job given they were faced with well over 100,000 fans coming from Scotland.

"I can't believe that any other city would have done anything better."