MP warns Italian police ahead of Champions League final
By politics.co.uk staff
Italian authorities have been warned to keep travelling Manchester United fans safe during the Champions League final in Rome tonight.
The warning comes as the Foreign Office confirmed a British man was stabbed earlier today.
Liberal Democrat sport spokesman Don Foster said concerns had already been highlighted about violence in the Italian capital.
Many analysts are worried about the potential presence of ultras, hard core Roma fans renowned for their violent tendencies.
“The Italian authorities must do everything in their power to protect travelling fans from further violent incidents,” Mr Foster said.
“Concerns were raised before the final about the sheer number of stabbings and attacks that football fans have endured in Rome over recent years.
“Ministers and Uefa must explain what steps they have taken to try and ensure the safety of travelling fans.”
Around 30,000 United fans are expected to descend on Rome throughout today to watch their team take on Barcelona in the European final.
