United Fans Warned Away from Rome Sites

British diplomatic officials are urging Manchester United soccer fans against visiting tourist areas when they travel to Rome for Wednesday's Champions League final meeting with Barcelona.

Officials at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office have called on those attending the world's biggest club soccer match not to go to the Campo Dei Fioro, Piazzale Flaminio or take the Ponte Duca D'Aosta bridge due to fears over their safety.

A representative from the FCO confirmed that the Italian authorities have been advising the best course to take in order for soccer fans to avoid trouble with Roman soccer gangs.

Up to 30,000 Manchester United fans are expected to fly to the Italian capital for the decider with Barcelona at the Stadio Olimpico. An estimated 10,000 of them will be without tickets and are expected to the game in bars and squares around the city. However, there are real fears that trouble could break out in a city where football rivalry has caused deaths.

In 2004, more than 170 people were injured when AS Roma and Lazio fans clashed with the city's police in the Stadio Olimpico, in riots that lasted an estimated six hours.

In 2007, riots broke out across Italy after a police office accidentally shot a supporter while attempting to break up minor clash between Lazio and Turin fans.

It is understood that travel corridors have been put in place through the city, allowing supporters travelling in official groups direct passage to an from the stadium and their hotels. Supporters travelling independently have also been provided a protected route.

Manchester United, the defending Champions League champions, booked their place in the final with a 3-1 semi-final second-leg victory over Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium on May 5. United had also won the first leg, at their home ground, Old Trafford, 1-0.

Barcelona, who has been crowned the Spanish La Liga champions, ensured their place in the final following two ties with last year's finalists Chelsea. Their away goal in the 1-1 second-leg tie at Stamford Bridge, London on May 6 was enough to see them through.

Wednesday's game will be the tenth meeting of the clubs in European competition, with Barcelona having claimed just two victories, Manchester United three and the four remaining being tied.

The 18-time English league champions secured the 2009 Premier league title on Saturday with a 0-0 tie, also against Arsenal. They go into the Champions League final boasting a record 25-game unbeaten run.

Source: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/manchester/8058877.stm