14/09/2010

Security High For Man Utd V Rangers Match

Police have confirmed that tough security measures are in place tonight ahead of Manchester United's Champions League clash against Rangers.

Hundreds of extra officers have been drafted in in order to prevent a repeat of any trouble which flared during the Scottish Premier League side's Uefa Cup Final in the city in 2008.

The strict measures include only Rangers fans who travel on official coaches being allowed tickets for the Champions League group match at Old Trafford.

Those travelling on coaches are being kept at Wigan's DW Stadium before tonight's match, which kicks off at 7:45pm. Off-licences near the stadium have been ordered to close early and neighbouring bars and pubs have been told to ensure that they have door staff.

Any fans who do not have tickets have been told to stay away from Manchester and the match will not be shown on big screens in the city centre.

In 2008, trouble flared when thousands of Scottish fans descended on Manchester for Rangers Uefa Cup Final match against Zenit St Petersburg and a big-screen in Piccadilly Gardens failed at kick-off.

Eleven of the troublemakers were jailed in connection with the disorder, described as "the worst night of violence and destruction suffered by Manchester city centre since the Blitz", earlier this month.

(KMcA)

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