The Foreign and Commonwealth Office has put out the official warning to the 30,000 plus United traveling supporters regarding the “no – go” areas around Rome, especially for non ticket holders during the build up to next Wednesday’s Champions League Final.
Via TimesOnline
While the city has also been declared an alcohol-free zone for the match against Barcelona a week today, The Foreign and Commonwealth Office posted a detailed warning to United fans last night as it became clear that as many as 10,000 could be on the streets without tickets and at risk from attacks by members of the infamous Ultras, a group of hardcore supporters accused of a series of violent attacks that have earned Rome the nickname of “Stab City” by followers of English clubs.
Only 19,500 tickets were issued to United, with prices ranging from £65 to £183, but concern is mounting that others are flooding on to the black market, with touts even offering tickets for the area behind the goal at the Barcelona end. One website had tickets for all areas of the Stadio Olimpico last night, with those for the Barcelona section on offer at £1,600.
Greater Manchester Police is co-operating with the Roman authorities and will be sending “spotters” to mark out potential troublemakers. It is also understood that uniformed British officers could be present alongside their Italian counterparts.
Barcelona, too, could be sending thousands of fans without tickets. The Catalan club were also allocated only 19,500 tickets when they average about 75,000 at the Nou Camp. Although the club have little history of violence, Spanish police fired rubber bullets on Sunday night as Barcelona fans celebrated winning the Spanish league title. More than 50 were injured and 65 arrested.
The Foreign Office will mount a 36-hour operation so that staff will be available before and after the final. Police will cordon off the Piazzale Flaminio, usually a popular meeting place, and the Ponte Duca d’Aosta, a bridge often used by the Ultras on their way to the Stadio Olimpico, to ensure that rival factions do not meet. But the police may add to the complications — the city authorities are facing the threat of a strike over pay.
Image via The-Manifest
