Roma v Fulham: precautions taken for away fans in Rome to avoid Europa League trouble

03 November 2009 12:29
Fulham face AS Roma on Thursday night in the Europa League, but all fans have been given warnings about where, and where not, to visit. [LNB]And they have been ordered to use official shuttle busses being laid on by the Rome police. There will also be a seven-hour ban on the sale of alcohol in Rome, beginning three hours before kick-off and continuing for two hours after the game. [LNB] Related ArticlesFulham 3 Liverpool 1Roma's infamous 'ultras' have been involved in a series of violent incidents in recent years. In 2006, three Middlesbrough fans were stabbed the night before the Uefa Cup quarter-final when around 200 visiting supporters came under attack from an apparently organised group. [LNB]And in April 2007, 11 Manchester United fans were taken to hospital following violence both inside and outside the stadium. Eight months later five United supporters were stabbed before their team's 1-1 Champions League group draw with Roma. [LNB]More recently, in March, two Arsenal fans were injured when the coach taking them to the stadium were injured. [LNB]Ever since the draw for the Europa League group was made, safety officers have been liaising with Rome police and the club's security staff. [LNB]A Fulham spokesperson said: 'We have advised every fan buying a ticket through us, the only source, to meet at the pre-arranged meeting point from where they will be taken to the stadium. [LNB]'Rome police have organised the shuttle buses, and both the police and AS Roma have worked very closely with us and have incredibly helpful.' [LNB]Around 300 fans are going on official trips organised by Fulham while the rest will be travelling independently but they will be given strict advice about the areas to avoid both and after the game. [LNB]

Source: Telegraph