ITALY: FOOTBALL/SOCCER: Manchester United and Barcelona fans enjoy a Roman holiday before Champions League final

Record ID: 861773

  • Title: ITALY: FOOTBALL/SOCCER: Manchester United and Barcelona fans enjoy a Roman holiday before Champions League final
  • Date: 26th May 2009
  • Summary: FANS WALKING PAST POLICE CAR IN 'FOOTBALL VILLAGE' NEXT TO COLOSSEUM ANCIENT RELIC, CONSTANTINE'S ARCH, BEHIND FOOTBALL VILLAGE
  • Embargoed: 10th June 2009 13:00
  • Keywords:
  • Location: Italy
  • City:
  • Country: Italy
  • Topics: Sports
  • Reuters ID: LVA7YP4567QFRUAOZK0GJ1A55MLL
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  • Story Text: Police in Rome tightened security on Monday (May 25) as they prepare for Wednesday's (May 27) Champions League final between Manchester United and Barcelona, but the fans themselves were just enjoying the sunshine.
    Thousands of fans are already in the city, some having their photographs taken alongside the Champions League trophy proudly placed next to the ancient Colosseum arena.
    "I am not so worried about violence as I am about the score. I'm worried about that. It all depends on how the people are, whether they win or lose," said one Barcelona fan.
    Another commented: "I hope the Rome security is good, nothing more and then the match will be 3-1 to us!"
    Manchester United supporter Alan Edge was concerned about extremist Italian soccer fans known as Ultras. In 2007, there was violence between United and Roma fans during two Champions League ties in the city.
    "We are concerned a little bit (about violence) particularly with the (extremist Italian) Ultras yes after problems we have had in the past. When they came to Manchester there were a lot of problems in Manchester and obviously there have been a lot of problems in Rome. But it seems to be very well policed, there is plenty of police around, there is plenty of army around. I think the Manchester United fans will behave themselves, we're bringing 35,000 fans here and I don't think there will be any trouble as long as the Italian fans stay away from the Manchester United fans," said Edge.
    Another United fan, Samuel Lockhurst, commented: "We expect the Romans will be on their best behaviour, there are going to be a lot of English supporters, a lot of United supporters who are always on their best behaviour and we are just enjoying the city, we've never been here before and it is fantastic."
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