Champions League: Kerfuffle in Rome
By: Martha | April 4th, 2007
In case you missed it, Man U sent out an uncharacteristically detailed warning letter to fans who are attending today’s CL match against Roma, warning them of the “real danger” lurking in the Italian capital. Among other things, the club recommended that fans avoid specific known Ultra gathering areas, and also cautioned Man U supporters about taking public shuttles to the Olimpico — in which fans were told they will find “primitive conditions” — out of fear of violence. (In addition, it was already announced that Roman authorities will keep Man U fans in the ground for 90 minutes after the game in order limited their interactions with Roma supporters.)
Needless to say, everyone in Rome — from Luciano Spalletti to city mayor Walter Veltroni — is overflowing with righteous indignation and royally pissed-off at Man U, using words like “astonished” and “slur” and “calm down” in their responses to the letter. It is, however, hard to totally throw Man U under the bus on this one, since there is a history serious problems between Roma fans and supporters of visiting English clubs: Three Middlesbrough fans were stabbed last year before a UEFA Cup match, for example, and Liverpool fans have also been greeted with violence in the past. So, you know, you can understand the club wanting to warn its supporters, and to advise them of the best ways to avoid potential problems.
Whatever Man U’s intentions in issuing the letter, however, it’s served one primary purpose, and that is to whip all of Rome into a fever pitch ahead of the match. And with 75,000 home fans and only 4500-5000 from Man U? Damn. The Olimpico is going to be a cauldron of passion and noise. (And yes, I get chills thinking about just watching it on TV, no lie. You could say I’m looking forward to this match just a little.)
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Comments
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I cannot wait for this match, and thinking of the stadium atmosphere and skill level and speed of the two teams, I got those same chills! I really do hope Roma win the round. Its a good idea that they are taking precautions to avoid incident. I have witnessed that city on a match day and it is insane.
Posted from
United States
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I will have to avoid websites such as this this afternoon because I am dvr’ing the match. So pumped that I will watch it recorded instead of the 2nd game of the season for my beloved Cub.
I was reading on the bbc about this kerfuffle. Fine, I understand that there have been issues in the past. But the comments after the article were a bit ridiculous and I can see why any Italian would feel like they are being pre-reprimanded in an astoundingly condascending manner.
Posted from
United States -
kerfuffle….more like an attack by RoboCops on english fans AGAIN!! Disgusting behaviour from the Italian police….but after Italia 90, it doesn`t surprise me in the least.
http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x1mnkk_crowd-fights
Posted from
Japan
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