Council 'powerless' to stop Manchester being over-run with Rangers fans for UEFA Cup Final » Communities » 24dash.com

Council chiefs admitted today that they are powerless to stop Rangers fans from travelling to Manchester for the Uefa Cup final without tickets.

Last week they urged supporters not to travel if they did not have a pass for the game, warning that fan zones and some city centre pubs would only be open to ticket holders.

But that stance has been softened, with the announcement that entertainment, food and drink will be available in the fan zones to dedicated supporters.

And talks are ongoing on whether to install big screens in the city to allow people to watch the match, as part of "detailed travel and entertainment plans" being put in place for ticketless fans.

Up to 100,000 supporters are expected to make the journey south from Scotland for the game against Zenit St Petersburg, which is being held at the City of Manchester Stadium on May 14.

The ground holds just 44,000, and with around 13,000 Russian fans also making the trip for the game, Manchester will be overrun with supporters.

Manchester City Council is still officially urging fans not to travel without tickets but today admitted: "Realistically, city chiefs know that thousands will want to be near their club during the crucial match."

While saying that Rangers fans should stay in Glasgow to watch the game on big screens at Ibrox, they have urged businesses, pubs and hotels in Manchester to create a carnival atmosphere.

But they also warned supporters not to let their home cities down, saying fans should act as "ambassadors".

Councillor Pat Karney said: "It's going to be a fantastic busy day and we are making plans so that everyone can enjoy themselves.

"There will be dedicated zones for the football fans. Fans will be ambassadors for their clubs and their cities, so our message to them is, 'Please don't let down your home city'.

"And for everyone who lives and works in Manchester, we are advising them to enjoy the atmosphere and to make sure they allow extra time for important journeys.

"Manchester is excellent at hosting major events and - just like the Commonwealth Games and major political conferences - we want people to welcome our visitors and enjoy the busy atmosphere."

As well as the fan zones in Albert Square and Piccadilly Gardens, there will be a series of three-a-side football tournaments and shuttle buses from the city centre to the stadium.

Council and police chiefs will continue to work on the plans right up until the day of the game.

Chief Superintendent Gerry Donnellan, of Greater Manchester Police,
said: "Manchester loves its football and we are delighted that the city is hosting this final. Everyone is looking forward to hosting both sets of fans.

"We are experts in policing major football events and we want the day to be as enjoyable as possible for supporters, residents and businesses.

"Everyone in Manchester has a part to play in creating an enjoyable and busy atmosphere. We want pubs and hotel to be open and to be properly staffed so that we can give visitors a proper welcome.

"The city centre has the capacity to accommodate thousands of people and city centre fan zones have always been part of the plans for this occasion.

"We want to deliver a successful event for everyone who lives and works in Manchester and for our visitors."