United fan warning over Rome trip

Manchester United have issued an astonishing warning to their fans about the dangers of hooliganism, crime and the "primitive conditions" they will face in Rome for their Champions League clash on Wednesday.

United have written to their travelling fans to advise them about the hazards that await them in Italy.

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The letter says: "There is a real danger you will be attacked by the Ultra' fans of AS Roma. We ask you to consider your own safety and the welfare of being of paramount importance.

"You must definitely not take the metro trains to the Piazza Flaminio."

United have decided to issue the warning following meetings with the Rome police, the British embassy in Italy and UEFA officials due to attend the game.

Last season three Middlesbrough fans were stabbed and 10 others injured during violent clashes with the "Ultras" before a UEFA Cup quarter- final with Roma. Several English fans were taken to hospital after they were attacked in a bar.

Officials are so concerned about similar clashes between fans in the Italian capital that they have even arranged special buses to take United fans from central Rome to the Olympic Stadium.

Around 6,000 United supporters are expected to make the trip, although only 4,500 fans are believed to have tickets for the match.

Undercover "hooligan spotters" from Greater Manchester Police will also travel with fans to Italy.

An official report from the Independent Football Commission on last season's Rome trouble said Middlesbrough fans were attacked by around 40 Ultra hooligans who threw flares into a bar where they were drinking.

It said the Italian fans were armed with knives, clubs and axes and there were reports of oranges being used with razor blades sticking out of them.

During the match Roma fans also broke through the police cordon and charged the fence separating them from the English supporters.

Rome police have said they will keep United fans penned in for 90 minutes after the game and the club have told United fans to be on their guard against being targeted by Italian pickpockets and bag snatchers.

The club said: "Cars are targets for robbers and be particularly wary of groups of children who may try to distract your attention while trying to steal from you."

United were forced to send season ticket holders another letter of warning about what they called "basic facilities" at the compact Felix-Bollaert stadium in Lens before the game with Lille.

Their pre-match concerns proved to be well founded when overcrowding in the away section caused panic among some fans, who tried to climb the barriers. United are equally as concerned about the shockingly inadequate provision for supporters in Rome, especially for their female fans.

The United letter added: "Whilst this game is taking place in the Olympic Stadium, fans will find some of the facilities provided fairly primitive.

"Toilets, particularly female toilets, do not contain the usual toilet pan facility."

Meanwhile, Roma players Christian Panucci and Mancini have warned Cristiano Ronaldo that the winger cannot expect "protection" from the referee in Wednesday's Champions League quarter-final, first-leg clash.

Former Chelsea and Italy full-back Panucci said: "Ronaldo's class is unquestionable.

"But I believe he abuses his dribbling talents and always exaggerates his falls.

"A lot will depend on the referee but in Roma, Ronaldo will not be daring enough to do it because we will not fall for his tricks."