100,000 Rangers fans invade Manchester

Scottish giants Rangers 'invaded' Manchester yesterday when an estimated 80,000 supporters descended on the city from around the world. Ten of thousands of them could not get into Eastlands to see the UEFA Cup Final — which Zenit St Petersburg won 2-0 — but they brought the centre almost to a standstill as they partied in the build-up to the game.

Fans from as far away as Australia joined the lucky minority who took up the official 13,000 ticket allocation and black market prices went above £1,400 close to kick-off.

It was estimated that the Scots poured £25million to the local economy, with pubs packed and hotels within a 20-mile radius of the city full up.

Those who did not find a way into the ground watched the game on giant screens but after winning praise for their behaviour throughout the day trouble flared later.

Police reported just eight arrests before the match but officers in riot gear were called in to deal with supporters throwing bottles and cans when the screen in Piccadilly Gardens fanzone failed.