Uefa have charged Valencia and Inter Milan with improper conduct following the on-pitch brawl which marred last night's Champions League match between the two clubs in Spain.

David Navarro, the Valencia substitute, sparked the melee after punching Nicolas Burdisso of Inter, breaking the Argentinian's nose, with players from both teams quickly becoming involved.

The disruption continued in the tunnel with Inter players attempting to get into the Valencia dressing room to confront Navarro.

Navarro and Carlos Marchena of Valencia and Burdisso, Ivan Cordoba and Maicon of Inter have also been charged with gross unsporting conduct.

The Uefa control and disciplinary body will deal with the case on March 14.

The second leg of the last-16 tie finished goalless with Valencia progressing on away goals following the 2-2 draw at the San Siro on February 21. But Valencia's victory was overshadowed by events after the final whistle.

Carlos Marchena looked to kick out at Burdisso after exchanging words. The incident sparked the brawl and Navarro, a substitute who had not featured in the match, ran on to the middle of the pitch and punched Burdisso.

Several Inter players tried to trip up Navarro as he ran off the pitch and the fighting continued in the tunnel and outside the dressing rooms.

Navarro subsequently apologised for his part in the incident, saying "I saw that they were trying to attack a team-mate, and I lost my nerve. I have never behaved in this fashion before, and I will never do it again. I am very sorry and ashamed."

"It has been a lamentable incident. On Wednesday I want to apologise to those affected by my actions."

Quique Sanchez Flores, the Valencia coach added: "I hope that the punishment is minimal and affects us as little as possible. The tension of football generates these situations and affects our good sense."

However, Roberto Mancini, the Inter coach, was less than impressed with how events unfolded.

"I didn't see anything because I was the first person on my way back to the dressing room," he said. "The boys told me what had happened after.

"Now I have seen the footage, I can say that the Valencia player is a coward. There's nothing else you can say about someone who throws a punch like that then runs away."

Massimo Moratti, the Inter president, admitted the post-match brawl had come as a surprise, saying: "I'm sorry for the player (Burdisso) and for everything that happened on the pitch after the game. We honestly weren't expecting it."

"The UEFA delegate will do what he has to do. But I don't think Inter will take any further action."

A Uefa spokesman said: "An investigation has been opened for the incidents which happened last night against both clubs. A decision is expected at the next meeting of the UEFA disciplinary body on March 22."

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