ITALY: FOOTBALL / SOCCER - Manchester United fans unconcerned about security risk ahead of Champions League match

Record ID: 336307

  • Title: ITALY: FOOTBALL / SOCCER - Manchester United fans unconcerned about security risk ahead of Champions League match
  • Date: 6th April 2007
  • Summary: (EU) ROME, ITALY (APRIL 4, 2007) (REUTERS) WIDE OF COLOSSEUM MANCHESTER UNITED SUPPORTERS WITH SUPPORTERS BANNER NEXT TO ROMAN CENTURIONS ROMAN CENTURION HOLDING UP PICTURE OF ROMA CAPTAIN FRANCESCO TOTTI AND PRETENDING TO STAB MANCHESTER UNITED FAN WITH PLASTIC SWORD CARRIAGE DRIVING AWAY, PAN TO COLISEUM
  • Embargoed: 21st April 2007 13:00
  • Keywords:
  • Location: Italy
  • Country: Italy
  • Topics: Sports
  • Reuters ID: LVAC24LP8CHFHFRVULBD8DP61SCQ
  • Story Text: The city of Rome was preparing for the much anticipated A.S. Roma versus Manchester United Champions League match on Wednesday (April 4) imposing an alcohol sale ban around central parts of the city and close to the stadium.
    Earlier in the week, Manchester United sent a letter to fans advising them to stay away from Rome's tourist hotspots Piazzale Flaminio and Campo dei Fiori and warning of a "real danger of being attacked by the 'Ultra' fans of AS Roma".
    But the Manchester fans were seen at all the usual tourist sites on Wednesday, most not wearing any team shirts, a tradition for United supporters.
    One group of fans unfurled a Manchester United supporters banner for the Roman centurions at the colosseum to hold. A Roman Centurion held up a picture of Roma captian Francesco Totti and joked with a fan that he would stab him with his plastic sword. But that was as close to any violence that the fans have encountered so far.
    "No, there is no problem we were out last night having a drink no problem. Everyone is friendly so we'll have a good time," said Manchester United fan David standing next to the Colosseum.
    Most fans were unaware of the alcohol ban, which allows the sale of drink seated at a bar but prohibits sales of alcohol from all outlets for take-away from midday on Wednesday to 3 a.m. on Thursday.
    "We'll find somewhere, where there's a will there's a way," said United fan Justin.
    Rome's mayor has said that the Manchester United warning to fans was unecessary and has said the town is taking usual precautions to safeguard against violence when an expected 5,000 Manchester United fans arrive in the city. Many residents feel the warning has showed Rome in a bad light.
    "They've exaggerated. We've already had this morning alot of English families here and no problem but you know there are always groups that behave badly be they Italian or English," said Campo dei Fiori bar owner Giovanna Scozza.
    There were certainly quite a few English supporters in Campo dei Fiori at lunchtime most saying they had enjoyed their stay in the Italian capital.
    "It's been a really nice place so far, we've enjoyed it. We haven't encountered any trouble so it should be ok," said Adam.
    Certainly the alchohol ban did not appear to have a great affect on the drinking capabilities of the United fans.
    "We've already got one (a beer) - no problem," said a fan as he was served with a large beer.
  • Copyright Holder: REUTERS
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