Police braced for ‘D-Day’ Rangers supporters angry over Manchester force’s ‘invasion’ preparations for showpiece matchBy Jasper Hamill AS UP to 100,000 Rangers fans prepare to travel south to cheer on their team in the Uefa Cup Final, supporters have bitterly criticised Manchester police for acting as if "an invading army" was on its way.
Supporters groups insisted that the Glasgow club have a peaceful following and an almost unblemished international reputation - marred only in recent times by violence in Pamplona, which they blamed on heavy-handed Spanish police.
Stephen Smith, spokesman for the Rangers Supporters' Trust, said: "From what I've heard, Manchester is not prepared for Rangers fans.
"Greater Manchester Police have a bit of previous in this regard. When we went to play Manchester United in the Champions League it was badly policed and badly stewarded, as if there was an invading Mongol army there.
"They need to stop jumping at shadows and making assumptions about how the supporters will behave. We like to have a drink, we like to have a sing-song, but there's no organised trouble."
In the past, Greater Manchester Police have cancelled a friendly between Rangers and Bolton Wanderers, apparently because it was impossible to plan the event within the "margins of public safety", according to Chief Superintendent Dave Lea.
And the last time Rangers played in Manchester itself - for a Champions League match against Manchester United in 2003 - fans claim they walked into a ghost town, with bars closed in the city centre.
Officially, Greater Manchester Police are anticipating a "carnival atmosphere" during the May 14 final against Russian club Zenit St Petersburg - but a force insider revealed a different attitude.
The insider said: "We can't tell you much more about our plans this far in advance but more details will emerge as we get closer to D-Day, which is certainly what it will be, as far as I understand."
Plans for the Uefa Cup Final in the city started nine months ago and security will be extremely tight.
The match commander for the game, Chief Superintendent Gerry Donnellan, said there would be two "zones" for rival fans, with a strong police presence stopping any ticketless visitors getting close to the stadium or even going into city-centre pubs.
Rangers have been allocated 13,000 tickets, with 4500 travel club members getting priority. In 2003, 80,000 fans followed Celtic to the Uefa Cup Final in Seville, where the club lost to Portuguese side FC Porto.
Donnellan added: "Our planning is underpinned by a desire for all fans with tickets to come to Manchester to enjoy the atmosphere and the game, and they will get a genuinely warm reception.
"I hope the match will be an enjoyable event for everyone who attends and that a carnival atmosphere will be created by the genuine supporters, which will demonstrate all that is good about the game in the United Kingdom."
While violent incidents involving some Rangers supporters have been a problem in the past, steps taken by the club have changed this dramatically, Glasgow MSP Bill Kidd pointed out.
He said: "If you look around the rest of Europe, Scottish supporters from any team are far, far less likely to cause bother than many other clubs from other countries.
"The people of Manchester have got nothing to worry about. They should be welcoming people from other cities.
"If the police in Manchester are willing to approach the fans in a good-natured manner, they will get the same back again."
A spokesman for the Scottish government praised the good behaviour of Rangers fans in Florence, during the team's semi-final match against Fiorentina. The Ibrox club's supporters were also commended by the Italian police.
The Scottish government spokesman said: "Glasgow has demonstrated in recent years that holding European finals are good for a city - if fans are welcomed and accommodated, then they will behave and enjoy themselves.
"We should view this as a welcome opportunity to promote the good behaviour of Scotland's football fans.
"We should never be complacent, but fans of our clubs and the national team have earned a reputation for good behaviour and respect for their hosts.
He added: "Rangers fans will be travelling to Manchester with one thing on their minds - the hope of seeing their side win their first European trophy for 36 years."
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Posted by: Donald Anderson, glasgow on 7:35am Sun 4 May 08
Strange that a fan base, who wears Engerland tops, should be as unwelcome in Manchester as, Union Jack waving Gordon Broon in London town
Strange that a fan base, who wears Engerland tops, should be as unwelcome in Manchester as, Union Jack waving Gordon Broon in London town
Posted by: Donald Anderson, glasgow on 7:37am Sun 4 May 08
How do they think Scottish towns feel about any foreign Old Firm invasion?
How do they think Scottish towns feel about any foreign Old Firm invasion?
Posted by: heady on 9:32am Sun 4 May 08
99,999 sectarian thugs (and one lost soul) descend on Manchester and the locals are not too happy about it - little wonder.
99,999 sectarian thugs (and one lost soul) descend on Manchester and the locals are not too happy about it - little wonder.
Posted by: megz, glasgow on 10:37am Sun 4 May 08
If they have been told to stay away then they should. This has the potential to shame Scotland on a massive scale. I hope it doesn't as i'm proud of my country and i hope that these fans will act appropriately as ambassadors for us, wouldn't want to be thought badly of because of someone else's stupidity.
If they have been told to stay away then they should. This has the potential to shame Scotland on a massive scale. I hope it doesn't as i'm proud of my country and i hope that these fans will act appropriately as ambassadors for us, wouldn't want to be thought badly of because of someone else's stupidity.
Posted by: davieboy on 10:50am Sun 4 May 08
The 4 previous posters say more about their own prejudices than anything else.
Forgetting that a Scottish club getting to a major European final is a massive achievement in itself. All they can do is make negative comments like "potential to shame" and make sweeping statements like "99,999 sectarian thugs" does nothing for their arguement.
I for one will be going during which I will have a beer or ten (and hopefully champagne) as well as behaving myself. Just like the tartan army there will be folk who will jump in fountains and do things they think are funny (but are quite embarrassing) however the overwhelming majority will leave Manchester with good memories.
So less of the sweeping statements, its like me saying that everyone in the SNP has racist attitudes towards England and English people.
The 4 previous posters say more about their own prejudices than anything else.
Forgetting that a Scottish club getting to a major European final is a massive achievement in itself. All they can do is make negative comments like "potential to shame" and make sweeping statements like "99,999 sectarian thugs" does nothing for their arguement.
I for one will be going during which I will have a beer or ten (and hopefully champagne) as well as behaving myself. Just like the tartan army there will be folk who will jump in fountains and do things they think are funny (but are quite embarrassing) however the overwhelming majority will leave Manchester with good memories.
So less of the sweeping statements, its like me saying that everyone in the SNP has racist attitudes towards England and English people.
Posted by: Not an old firm fan, here on 10:52am Sun 4 May 08
Dear Manchester
be prepared for the whordes of foul mouth buckfast drunks urinating all over your streets and generally intimidating the local population
Dear Manchester
be prepared for the whordes of foul mouth buckfast drunks urinating all over your streets and generally intimidating the local population
Posted by: Craig P on 11:11am Sun 4 May 08
Hold on, lets get this right. If you have a ticket for the game you can come to Manchester, if you have no ticket then you are not welcome! Says who? We have only heard from the Greater Manchester Police who have a vested interest in keeping fan numbers down. I'll bet the local chamber of commerce and pub, club, restuarant and hotel owners will have a different view. The ticket allocation for Rangers is 13,000. THe ground only holds 44,000. Compare that to the number of decent ticketless fans who will be travelling then it does not make business sense. Some trouble may occur as there are always people of that ilk in any large group. From the comments made by the senior GMP officer one could assume that the city of Manchester is under some sort of police state. Who gives this man the right to speak for Manchester? and indeed where are the elected representatives and business community leaders who are obvious by their abscence? If he was talking about any other group of people the PC brigade would be up in arms bleating on about racism, human rights, etc.etc. Anway who cares its only a stupid game of football:-)
Hold on, lets get this right. If you have a ticket for the game you can come to Manchester, if you have no ticket then you are not welcome! Says who? We have only heard from the Greater Manchester Police who have a vested interest in keeping fan numbers down. I'll bet the local chamber of commerce and pub, club, restuarant and hotel owners will have a different view. The ticket allocation for Rangers is 13,000. THe ground only holds 44,000. Compare that to the number of decent ticketless fans who will be travelling then it does not make business sense. Some trouble may occur as there are always people of that ilk in any large group. From the comments made by the senior GMP officer one could assume that the city of Manchester is under some sort of police state. Who gives this man the right to speak for Manchester? and indeed where are the elected representatives and business community leaders who are obvious by their abscence? If he was talking about any other group of people the PC brigade would be up in arms bleating on about racism, human rights, etc.etc. Anway who cares its only a stupid game of football:-)
Posted by: Tommy, East Kilbride on 11:12am Sun 4 May 08
Rangers have been allocated 13,000 tickets. Most of these fans will go along, watch the game and behave themselves.
Why are the other 87,000 planning to travel to Manchester. They should stay in Glasgow in their own bars and clubs and leave the good people of Manchester in peace.
Their motto is "No one likes us- we don't care". If you set out with that mindset then there is potential for trouble. They should stay in Glasgow & Belfast and pee & throw up on their own lawns.
Rangers have been allocated 13,000 tickets. Most of these fans will go along, watch the game and behave themselves.
Why are the other 87,000 planning to travel to Manchester. They should stay in Glasgow in their own bars and clubs and leave the good people of Manchester in peace.
Their motto is "No one likes us- we don't care". If you set out with that mindset then there is potential for trouble. They should stay in Glasgow & Belfast and pee & throw up on their own lawns.
Posted by: Tommy, East Kilbride on 11:17am Sun 4 May 08
Mr Smith says "When we went to play Manchester United..........., as if there was an invading Mongol army there".
I though they were follow followers of Attila, not Ghengis?
Mr Smith says "When we went to play Manchester United..........., as if there was an invading Mongol army there".
I though they were follow followers of Attila, not Ghengis?
Posted by: megz, glasgow on 11:20am Sun 4 May 08
Rangers fans are being treated in relation to their behaviour, they need to behave and they will start to be treated better. They really can't expected to be treated as angels when they don't act like them. Wasn't that long ago they had to cancel their bolton game because the GMP didn't want them there.
Rangers fans are being treated in relation to their behaviour, they need to behave and they will start to be treated better. They really can't expected to be treated as angels when they don't act like them. Wasn't that long ago they had to cancel their bolton game because the GMP didn't want them there.
Posted by: Tommy, East Kilbride on 12:21pm Sun 4 May 08
I believe that part of the problem lies in the use of the union flag. Sadly this has been corrupted over the years by the far right and football hooligans from all over Europe. This is why England supporters have adopted the St. Georges cross in the last 10 years.
The sight of the hordes of rangers fans wrapped in the union flag engenders fear in much of the local population, and it gives the mentally challenged amongst the support the feeling that they are somehow superior and therefore able to behave in any way they see fit. The union flag is associated with 500 years of colonialism and abuse of power and the sooner the rangers fans ditch it the better.
I believe that part of the problem lies in the use of the union flag. Sadly this has been corrupted over the years by the far right and football hooligans from all over Europe. This is why England supporters have adopted the St. Georges cross in the last 10 years.
The sight of the hordes of rangers fans wrapped in the union flag engenders fear in much of the local population, and it gives the mentally challenged amongst the support the feeling that they are somehow superior and therefore able to behave in any way they see fit. The union flag is associated with 500 years of colonialism and abuse of power and the sooner the rangers fans ditch it the better.
Posted by: ian, manchester on 6:02pm Sun 4 May 08
why are people coming here when they have no ticket? most of the city bars and pubs will close as they did when celtic played a home match at old trafford years ago. everyone in the city will want to go about their usual wednesday business and we dont want thousands of drunk people around all day. rangers should throw a party at their own stadium for these fans, we have no need of a party of that sort on 14th may. those with tickets will have the day spoiled for them by the ticketless people because the police will have no option other than to protect the citizens of manchester and that will involve curtailing the freedom of the fans to do as they please, and severely limiting the alcohol available to them. i think that any grown man who travels here without a ticket will already have shown himself to be irresponsible and should be treated as such. again, please take note, this is a working city and we do not want this.
why are people coming here when they have no ticket? most of the city bars and pubs will close as they did when celtic played a home match at old trafford years ago. everyone in the city will want to go about their usual wednesday business and we dont want thousands of drunk people around all day. rangers should throw a party at their own stadium for these fans, we have no need of a party of that sort on 14th may. those with tickets will have the day spoiled for them by the ticketless people because the police will have no option other than to protect the citizens of manchester and that will involve curtailing the freedom of the fans to do as they please, and severely limiting the alcohol available to them. i think that any grown man who travels here without a ticket will already have shown himself to be irresponsible and should be treated as such. again, please take note, this is a working city and we do not want this.
Posted by: davieboy on 9:05pm Sun 4 May 08
Ian,
the police in Manchester are duty bound to protect every UK citizen. As for their ability to do so, I am quite sure that they can handle it. They coped really well during the Commonwealth Games and I think that they will cope just as esily next week.
We're Coming!!
Ian,
the police in Manchester are duty bound to protect every UK citizen. As for their ability to do so, I am quite sure that they can handle it. They coped really well during the Commonwealth Games and I think that they will cope just as esily next week.
We're Coming!!
Posted by: GersFan, South East on 10:41pm Sun 4 May 08
Be ready for Manchester to turn a beautiful Royal Blue
Be ready for Manchester to turn a beautiful Royal Blue
Posted by: The Insider, Manchester on 11:01pm Sun 4 May 08
The Greater Manchester Police are very dissapointed that Glasgow Rangers have qualified for the final all leave has been cancelled & officers from all over the county are being drafted in to Manchester roit cops are undertaking special traning and plastic bullets,water cannons & cs gas are being passed to use on unruly fans. Be Warned [italic]behave[/italic] or you will feel the full force of GMP. [bold]Follow Follow[/bold] !!
The Greater Manchester Police are very dissapointed that Glasgow Rangers have qualified for the final all leave has been cancelled & officers from all over the county are being drafted in to Manchester roit cops are undertaking special traning and plastic bullets,water cannons & cs gas are being passed to use on unruly fans. Be Warned
behave or you will feel the full force of GMP.
Follow Follow !!
Posted by: The Gub, Martin Bains Villa on 10:13am Mon 5 May 08
Well,
if GMP expect a fight-
they'll get a fight.
We fought against the Germans,the Spanish and the irish.
We will be proud to fight again.
God Save The Queen.
WATP.
Well,
if GMP expect a fight-
they'll get a fight.
We fought against the Germans,the Spanish and the irish.
We will be proud to fight again.
God Save The Queen.
WATP.
Posted by: Gossie, scotland on 11:17am Mon 5 May 08
We went to Florence 5000 strong we will come to Manchester 100000 strong we dont want any bother all we want to do is take in the day,night and party and we will the leave in the morning with very little trouble i have been in your city at a weekend and there is more trouble from your own than there will be from THE GERS, If you did not want us there then your city council should not have asked for a major final to be played there,we have had 2 major finals here in Glasgow and all was welcome with no trouble so Manchester open your bars,clubs and hotels because no scare tactics will work HERE WE COME, THE GERS
We went to Florence 5000 strong we will come to Manchester 100000 strong we dont want any bother all we want to do is take in the day,night and party and we will the leave in the morning with very little trouble i have been in your city at a weekend and there is more trouble from your own than there will be from THE GERS, If you did not want us there then your city council should not have asked for a major final to be played there,we have had 2 major finals here in Glasgow and all was welcome with no trouble so Manchester open your bars,clubs and hotels because no scare tactics will work HERE WE COME, THE GERS
Posted by: John M Gordon, Hamilton on 12:31pm Mon 5 May 08
No matter what, Rangers fans won't be able to outdo fans of the Great Glasgow Celtic when it comes to teaching the English a lesson. We wrecked Newscastle and London and we'll do anywhere else in England stupid enough to try and take us on.
There's nothing better than going to England and taking on their scared BRITISH police and teaching them a lesson as only the Fighting Irish can. In Newcastle we even managed to take on soldiers in a British Army recruitment centre.
Hail Hail The IRA! Hail Hail Celtic.
No matter what, Rangers fans won't be able to outdo fans of the Great Glasgow Celtic when it comes to teaching the English a lesson. We wrecked Newscastle and London and we'll do anywhere else in England stupid enough to try and take us on.
There's nothing better than going to England and taking on their scared BRITISH police and teaching them a lesson as only the Fighting Irish can. In Newcastle we even managed to take on soldiers in a British Army recruitment centre.
Hail Hail The IRA! Hail Hail Celtic.
Posted by: John M Gordon, Hillhouse, Hamilton on 12:34pm Mon 5 May 08
Let the text below be a warning to all you Brit scum when the Celtic Soccer Casuals come to town. From the Editor of the Newcastle fanzine True Faith after our last visit:
[bold][italic]Celtic should not be invited back to Newcastle and it saddens me deeply to say it. Not for the first time has their support visited our city and generated sheer disgust at their behaviour………..there is a large section of Celtic's support in Newcastle who behave in a thoroughly obnoxious manner…….
……….they do bring some of the detritus of Scotland with them and despite the money generated for Newcastle United, their visits have to be put to an end. A good 30% of their following simply don't know how to behave and see these visits south as an opportunity to behave completely without a lack of regard, respect for our city and without dignity………
Around the city, Celtic fans left a trail of rubbish - as any self-respecting Geordie Mam would ask - I wonder what their homes are like - and as I made my way up Blackett St queues of absolutely stotting Celtic fans urinated in the streets in full view of women and children and appeared to take a delicious pride in their bone-headed behaviour.
Its not the vulgar displays of their Roman Catholicism - huge crucifixes prominently displayed by some who I'd guess haven't found their way into a Church for many a year - that's a matter for them, though it cheapens an ancient religion in a way none of their detractors could ever do. Not so much Catholic kitsch but bling. Its not even the renditions of irrelevant Rebel Songs but it is the constant abuse of Alan Shearer, which was meant to be provocative but were largely blanked by supporters inside SJP bemused by their hostility to a man who has no history with them………..shameful that they have to abuse a player who didn't play against them in a proper fixture……….
But most seriously the hail of bottles and glasses hurled towards St. Andrew's St. from Gallowgate, under the Chinese arch next to the Tyneside Irish Centre (who rumour tells me ironically weren't keen on being swamped by support from Scotland) by Celtic fans was criminally dangerous, completely indiscriminate and should end the invitations to Celtic Football Club to visit SJP. I saw bottles narrowly missing families and they were being thrown with wreckless intensity. Remember this was a game to which U-11s were encouraged with free admission.
Its truly sad when a fanzine feels the need to call for a football club to be banned from our city because large numbers of their supporters can't conduct themselves acceptably.[/italic][/bold]
God Bless The Pope
Let the text below be a warning to all you Brit scum when the Celtic Soccer Casuals come to town. From the Editor of the Newcastle fanzine True Faith after our last visit:
Celtic should not be invited back to Newcastle and it saddens me deeply to say it. Not for the first time has their support visited our city and generated sheer disgust at their behaviour………..there is a large section of Celtic's support in Newcastle who behave in a thoroughly obnoxious manner…….
……….they do bring some of the detritus of Scotland with them and despite the money generated for Newcastle United, their visits have to be put to an end. A good 30% of their following simply don't know how to behave and see these visits south as an opportunity to behave completely without a lack of regard, respect for our city and without dignity………
Around the city, Celtic fans left a trail of rubbish - as any self-respecting Geordie Mam would ask - I wonder what their homes are like - and as I made my way up Blackett St queues of absolutely stotting Celtic fans urinated in the streets in full view of women and children and appeared to take a delicious pride in their bone-headed behaviour.
Its not the vulgar displays of their Roman Catholicism - huge crucifixes prominently displayed by some who I'd guess haven't found their way into a Church for many a year - that's a matter for them, though it cheapens an ancient religion in a way none of their detractors could ever do. Not so much Catholic kitsch but bling. Its not even the renditions of irrelevant Rebel Songs but it is the constant abuse of Alan Shearer, which was meant to be provocative but were largely blanked by supporters inside SJP bemused by their hostility to a man who has no history with them………..shameful that they have to abuse a player who didn't play against them in a proper fixture……….
But most seriously the hail of bottles and glasses hurled towards St. Andrew's St. from Gallowgate, under the Chinese arch next to the Tyneside Irish Centre (who rumour tells me ironically weren't keen on being swamped by support from Scotland) by Celtic fans was criminally dangerous, completely indiscriminate and should end the invitations to Celtic Football Club to visit SJP. I saw bottles narrowly missing families and they were being thrown with wreckless intensity. Remember this was a game to which U-11s were encouraged with free admission.
Its truly sad when a fanzine feels the need to call for a football club to be banned from our city because large numbers of their supporters can't conduct themselves acceptably.
God Bless The Pope
Posted by: John M Gordon, Hamilton on 12:50pm Mon 5 May 08
I'm sick hearing all the crap about us in Seville. I hate the goody two shoes image our club tries to portray. The fighting Irish wrecked the Sun bus in Seville and had the Spanish feds running scared. Make no mistake about it.
Hail Hail Sean South. Up the Provos.
I'm sick hearing all the crap about us in Seville. I hate the goody two shoes image our club tries to portray. The fighting Irish wrecked the Sun bus in Seville and had the Spanish feds running scared. Make no mistake about it.
Hail Hail Sean South. Up the Provos.
Posted by: ChorleyRed, mANCHESTER on 1:04pm Mon 5 May 08
Well the people of Manchester are just glad it's the blue half of Glasgow and not the other lot who'll be visiting. Rangers fans proved last time they get on with the English and sing songs glorifying our Great Britain.
On the other hand, that other lot of IRA loving scum have been down and sang their terrorist sympathising songs just yards from the shopping centre their cowardly heroes blew to bits and just miles from Warrington where children were murdered by their heroes.
Rangers fans, come and enjoy it. Celtic fans, you're not welcome.
One Religion - Manchester United.
Well the people of Manchester are just glad it's the blue half of Glasgow and not the other lot who'll be visiting. Rangers fans proved last time they get on with the English and sing songs glorifying our Great Britain.
On the other hand, that other lot of IRA loving scum have been down and sang their terrorist sympathising songs just yards from the shopping centre their cowardly heroes blew to bits and just miles from Warrington where children were murdered by their heroes.
Rangers fans, come and enjoy it. Celtic fans, you're not welcome.
One Religion - Manchester United.
Posted by: ChorleyRed, Manchester on 1:07pm Mon 5 May 08
The comments of the Celtic fan John M Gordon emphasise my point. A little Plastic Paddy who probably couldn't point to Dublin on a map.
Rangers, come and enjoy. Celtic, try Cork or Dublin. We don't want you here.
The comments of the Celtic fan John M Gordon emphasise my point. A little Plastic Paddy who probably couldn't point to Dublin on a map.
Rangers, come and enjoy. Celtic, try Cork or Dublin. We don't want you here.
Posted by: Large John, Glasgow on 1:16pm Mon 5 May 08
Once again the Timaloid are on with their bile and abuse towards OUR country and OUR fans.
Your so called GFITW have a history of hating Great Britain and all she stands for, sing songs for murderers and Nazi sympathisers, throw coins at Rangers staff/players/fans and of course throw coins at referees and put bricks through their windows when your verbal abuse doesn't work.
Was the giro dome not closed during WWII for your nazi sympathising? I think so.
All he had to do was call the police.
PROUD TO BE A W.A.S.P.
Once again the Timaloid are on with their bile and abuse towards OUR country and OUR fans.
Your so called GFITW have a history of hating Great Britain and all she stands for, sing songs for murderers and Nazi sympathisers, throw coins at Rangers staff/players/fans and of course throw coins at referees and put bricks through their windows when your verbal abuse doesn't work.
Was the giro dome not closed during WWII for your nazi sympathising? I think so.
All he had to do was call the police.
PROUD TO BE A W.A.S.P.
Posted by: Little Mo Gordon, Hamilton on 1:36pm Mon 5 May 08
ChorleyRed you are another shower of British pigs.
Up the Provos!
ChorleyRed you are another shower of British pigs.
Up the Provos!
Posted by: davesmith on 2:13pm Mon 5 May 08
All these away ties this season and not ONE arrest! Great fans, great team and a great club. If the quadruple is done then we have all witness the greatest team in Scottish football's history.
All these away ties this season and not ONE arrest! Great fans, great team and a great club. If the quadruple is done then we have all witness the greatest team in Scottish football's history.
Posted by: Raspberry Pavlova, Glasgow on 3:15pm Mon 5 May 08
davesmith,
As opposed to Celtic fans who had over 60 arrest in Barcelona including two for assault of a policeman and a taxi driver.
davesmith,
As opposed to Celtic fans who had over 60 arrest in Barcelona including two for assault of a policeman and a taxi driver.
Posted by: ian, manchester on 3:31pm Mon 5 May 08
no davieboy, GMP have no duty to protect those intent on breaching the peace or gathering in large crowds to drink alcohol when they have been told to stay away.
full confirmation there of the correctness of GMP to treat this event as a major problem for the city. when manchester accepted this event it was to accomodate the fans attending the match. we have no problem with that. why on earth would a grown man come here and wander the streets all day to attend an event to which he has no invitation. the 'religous ' bile contained in some of the previous comments underline our fears. protestants, catholics, jews,muslims and atheists live side by side here. i know many people in this city and yet i have virtually no idea what their religion is. all have contributed greatly to build this into a fantastic place to live. only the idiots of the BNP follow the sort of philosophy espoused above. (oh and i think chorleyred and john m gordon may be one and the same) if you think you are coming here to evangelise bigotry, think again. we may have to put up with this for a day or two it seems, but after that we can return to normal football people visiting manchester to watch football for its own sake. if you have no ticket stay away please. most of the pubs will close and there is no accomodation for you. thats all from me i dont want to read any more of the above.
no davieboy, GMP have no duty to protect those intent on breaching the peace or gathering in large crowds to drink alcohol when they have been told to stay away.
full confirmation there of the correctness of GMP to treat this event as a major problem for the city. when manchester accepted this event it was to accomodate the fans attending the match. we have no problem with that. why on earth would a grown man come here and wander the streets all day to attend an event to which he has no invitation. the 'religous ' bile contained in some of the previous comments underline our fears. protestants, catholics, jews,muslims and atheists live side by side here. i know many people in this city and yet i have virtually no idea what their religion is. all have contributed greatly to build this into a fantastic place to live. only the idiots of the BNP follow the sort of philosophy espoused above. (oh and i think chorleyred and john m gordon may be one and the same) if you think you are coming here to evangelise bigotry, think again. we may have to put up with this for a day or two it seems, but after that we can return to normal football people visiting manchester to watch football for its own sake. if you have no ticket stay away please. most of the pubs will close and there is no accomodation for you. thats all from me i dont want to read any more of the above.
Posted by: Boo Boo, Florida on 3:45pm Mon 5 May 08
Ian,
Dry your eyes you silly little man. We're coming and nothing will stop us. Strangely, the women and kids who were battered on Paisley Road when your Men In Black hardmen came to Glasgow will be coming too - only this time they'll have their dads and husbands with them.
"protestants, catholics, jews,muslims and atheists live side by side here"
You're so full of shyte I can smell you from here. You might be the richest club in the world due to circumstances, but you're about to find out who are the best supported club in the world.
PS Japanes kids who have bought a Ryan Giggs poster from your online shop don't count.
The biggest travelling support in the history of world football willbe in a pub near you sometime soon.
Ian,
Dry your eyes you silly little man. We're coming and nothing will stop us. Strangely, the women and kids who were battered on Paisley Road when your Men In Black hardmen came to Glasgow will be coming too - only this time they'll have their dads and husbands with them.
"protestants, catholics, jews,muslims and atheists live side by side here"
You're so full of shyte I can smell you from here. You might be the richest club in the world due to circumstances, but you're about to find out who are the best supported club in the world.
PS Japanes kids who have bought a Ryan Giggs poster from your online shop don't count.
The biggest travelling support in the history of world football willbe in a pub near you sometime soon.
Posted by: Missing Link, Ayr on 3:59pm Mon 5 May 08
Hey Ian, will those of us without tickets get to watch the game without getting shot at in your harmonious "fantastic place to live" ?
Strangely I've just spoken to a colleague from Sale who tells me there are major race problems in Manchester so I think you've been a tad economical with the truth.
[italic][bold]Four people have been arrested by police after two men were shot dead at a pub in Greater Manchester.
Two other men, both 27, were hurt at the Brass Handles pub in Edgehill Close in Salford on Sunday afternoon. They are in hospital under police guard.
Four local men, in their early 20s, were questioned on Monday.
Police said two men had entered the pub on the Langworthy estate, which was packed with fans watching a Manchester United game, and opened fire.
The bodies of the two victims, who are both believed to be 27 and from Salford, were found on grassland across the road from the pub.
The names of the two victims have not been released, but post-mortem examinations were due to take place on Monday.
Police said they were from the Manchester area.
Greater Manchester Police said numerous bullets had been fired inside the pub.
Officers carried out door-to-door inquiries on Sunday night and began examining CCTV footage.
The two injured men were taken in a car to Hope Hospital in Salford.[/bold] [/italic]
Hey Ian, will those of us without tickets get to watch the game without getting shot at in your harmonious "fantastic place to live" ?
Strangely I've just spoken to a colleague from Sale who tells me there are major race problems in Manchester so I think you've been a tad economical with the truth.
Four people have been arrested by police after two men were shot dead at a pub in Greater Manchester.
Two other men, both 27, were hurt at the Brass Handles pub in Edgehill Close in Salford on Sunday afternoon. They are in hospital under police guard.
Four local men, in their early 20s, were questioned on Monday.
Police said two men had entered the pub on the Langworthy estate, which was packed with fans watching a Manchester United game, and opened fire.
The bodies of the two victims, who are both believed to be 27 and from Salford, were found on grassland across the road from the pub.
The names of the two victims have not been released, but post-mortem examinations were due to take place on Monday.
Police said they were from the Manchester area.
Greater Manchester Police said numerous bullets had been fired inside the pub.
Officers carried out door-to-door inquiries on Sunday night and began examining CCTV footage.
The two injured men were taken in a car to Hope Hospital in Salford. Posted by: davesmith on 6:13pm Mon 5 May 08
[quote][bold]Raspberry Pavlova[/bold] wrote:
davesmith, As opposed to Celtic fans who had over 60 arrest in Barcelona including two for assault of a policeman and a taxi driver.[/quote] Raspberry,
I rest my case, M'lud!
What a team, what a support, what a club!
Raspberry Pavlova wrote:
davesmith, As opposed to Celtic fans who had over 60 arrest in Barcelona including two for assault of a policeman and a taxi driver.
Raspberry,
I rest my case, M'lud!
What a team, what a support, what a club!
Posted by: LONDON CALLING, down manchesterway on 6:41pm Mon 5 May 08
Manchester enjoy your economic boost when a
minimum of £15m will be spent in your city.
Bears partied all over europe this season
not a sniff of trouble....
[bold]WATP.[/bold]
Manchester enjoy your economic boost when a
minimum of £15m will be spent in your city.
Bears partied all over europe this season
not a sniff of trouble....
WATP. Posted by: davesmith on 7:20pm Mon 5 May 08
[quote][bold]LONDON CALLING[/bold] wrote:
Manchester enjoy your economic boost when a minimum of £15m will be spent in your city. Bears partied all over europe this season not a sniff of trouble.... [bold]WATP.[/bold] [/quote] LC, yes a big boost to the economy down there. The locals will know what it's like to have pro-British Scottish fans amongst them instead of the usual anti-British bigots that they are used to.
Here's to a good day out and a win! WATP.
LONDON CALLING wrote:
Manchester enjoy your economic boost when a minimum of £15m will be spent in your city. Bears partied all over europe this season not a sniff of trouble.... WATP.
LC, yes a big boost to the economy down there. The locals will know what it's like to have pro-British Scottish fans amongst them instead of the usual anti-British bigots that they are used to.
Here's to a good day out and a win! WATP.
Posted by: Mr. E. A. Prentice, Larkhall, Scotland on 8:04pm Mon 5 May 08
I'm curious.
Why are there so many comments on this article from people who claim to have no interest in the Old Firm when the discussion is about Rangers going to Manchester?
Methinks these so-called 'non-Old Firm' fans are actually Celtic supporters with an axe to grind given that their team failed (again) in Europe this season and for them its better to wind up the opposition than to sit quietly and accept their lot gracefully.
Still, graceful in defeat has never been the Celtic way.
Good Lord, they can't even win gracefully.
Yours, still looking for the Parkhead lighter lobbers and coin throwers,
[bold]Mr. E. A. Prentice[/bold]
(One of 'The People')
I'm curious.
Why are there so many comments on this article from people who claim to have no interest in the Old Firm when the discussion is about Rangers going to Manchester?
Methinks these so-called 'non-Old Firm' fans are actually Celtic supporters with an axe to grind given that their team failed (again) in Europe this season and for them its better to wind up the opposition than to sit quietly and accept their lot gracefully.
Still, graceful in defeat has never been the Celtic way.
Good Lord, they can't even win gracefully.
Yours, still looking for the Parkhead lighter lobbers and coin throwers,
Mr. E. A. Prentice
(One of 'The People')
Posted by: LONDON CALLING, Manchesterway on 8:28pm Mon 5 May 08
I'm looking forward to the GCC arranging an open top bus when Rangers win there second
european trophy.......
As was arranged for celtic after seville
but unfortunatly this had to be cancelled..
I'm looking forward to the GCC arranging an open top bus when Rangers win there second
european trophy.......
As was arranged for celtic after seville
but unfortunatly this had to be cancelled..
Posted by: Stevie, Wishaw on 8:46pm Mon 5 May 08
Manchester, embrace us and help make it a fantastic occasion. This will ensure no hard feelings - open up Old Trafford!! and police it like a normal game. The earlier entries are by no means representative of Mots Gers fans. We just want to be there as this is a major occasion for Glasgow Rangers - 100,000 plus here we come!!! Follow Follow
Manchester, embrace us and help make it a fantastic occasion. This will ensure no hard feelings - open up Old Trafford!! and police it like a normal game. The earlier entries are by no means representative of Mots Gers fans. We just want to be there as this is a major occasion for Glasgow Rangers - 100,000 plus here we come!!! Follow Follow
Posted by: Dek Neill, Boghall on 9:12am Tue 6 May 08
[quote][bold]John M Gordon[/bold] wrote:
No matter what, Rangers fans won\'t be able to outdo fans of the Great Glasgow Celtic when it comes to teaching the English a lesson. We wrecked Newscastle and London and we\'ll do anywhere else in England stupid enough to try and take us on. There\'s nothing better than going to England and taking on their scared BRITISH police and teaching them a lesson as only the Fighting Irish can. In Newcastle we even managed to take on soldiers in a British Army recruitment centre. Hail Hail The IRA! Hail Hail Celtic. [/quote] John M Gordon, your a FUD, Get a life dobber,
Manchester we are coming, If you dont like it then [bold]TUFF[/bold] , You try and stop us,
WE ARE THE PEOPLE,
John M Gordon wrote:
No matter what, Rangers fans won\'t be able to outdo fans of the Great Glasgow Celtic when it comes to teaching the English a lesson. We wrecked Newscastle and London and we\'ll do anywhere else in England stupid enough to try and take us on. There\'s nothing better than going to England and taking on their scared BRITISH police and teaching them a lesson as only the Fighting Irish can. In Newcastle we even managed to take on soldiers in a British Army recruitment centre. Hail Hail The IRA! Hail Hail Celtic.
John M Gordon, your a FUD, Get a life dobber,
Manchester we are coming, If you dont like it then
TUFF , You try and stop us,
WE ARE THE PEOPLE,
Posted by: Big Bob, Cambuslang on 1:13pm Tue 6 May 08
It makes me wonder why Manchester applied for the Cup to be played there when they don't seem to want to organise it properly or welcome the Fans of both teams.As a rangers Fan i want to go to Manchester to savour the atmosphere and have a great day out win or lose.i'm bringing my son and we hope to visit this great football city again and have a bit of banter with the Russians.The senior police officer's comments about not coming i think are outrageous and will only rile some of our unsavoury followers(and every team has them).Glasgow has hosted both the champions league final and the eufa cup final in the past few years and both were great football occasions.its a pity the police officer who made those comments did'nt study the strathclyde police's and the Glasgow council's plans for hosting those events
It makes me wonder why Manchester applied for the Cup to be played there when they don't seem to want to organise it properly or welcome the Fans of both teams.As a rangers Fan i want to go to Manchester to savour the atmosphere and have a great day out win or lose.i'm bringing my son and we hope to visit this great football city again and have a bit of banter with the Russians.The senior police officer's comments about not coming i think are outrageous and will only rile some of our unsavoury followers(and every team has them).Glasgow has hosted both the champions league final and the eufa cup final in the past few years and both were great football occasions.its a pity the police officer who made those comments did'nt study the strathclyde police's and the Glasgow council's plans for hosting those events
Posted by: bill on 5:35am Wed 7 May 08
[quote][bold]davieboy[/bold] wrote:
The 4 previous posters say more about their own prejudices than anything else. Forgetting that a Scottish club getting to a major European final is a massive achievement in itself. All they can do is make negative comments like \\\\\\\"potential to shame\\\\\\\" and make sweeping statements like \\\\\\\"99,999 sectarian thugs\\\\\\\" does nothing for their arguement. I for one will be going during which I will have a beer or ten (and hopefully champagne) as well as behaving myself. Just like the tartan army there will be folk who will jump in fountains and do things they think are funny (but are quite embarrassing) however the overwhelming majority will leave Manchester with good memories. So less of the sweeping statements, its like me saying that everyone in the SNP has racist attitudes towards England and English people.[/quote] Cant wait to get down there and take on the
red army again.
davieboy wrote:
The 4 previous posters say more about their own prejudices than anything else. Forgetting that a Scottish club getting to a major European final is a massive achievement in itself. All they can do is make negative comments like \\\\\\\"potential to shame\\\\\\\" and make sweeping statements like \\\\\\\"99,999 sectarian thugs\\\\\\\" does nothing for their arguement. I for one will be going during which I will have a beer or ten (and hopefully champagne) as well as behaving myself. Just like the tartan army there will be folk who will jump in fountains and do things they think are funny (but are quite embarrassing) however the overwhelming majority will leave Manchester with good memories. So less of the sweeping statements, its like me saying that everyone in the SNP has racist attitudes towards England and English people.
Cant wait to get down there and take on the
red army again.
Posted by: john on 5:38am Wed 7 May 08
[quote][bold]ChorleyRed[/bold] wrote:
The comments of the Celtic fan John M Gordon emphasise my point. A little Plastic Paddy who probably couldn't point to Dublin on a map. Rangers, come and enjoy. Celtic, try Cork or Dublin. We don't want you here.[/quote] But Chorley Red, your shopping district looks a lot better now does it not?
ChorleyRed wrote:
The comments of the Celtic fan John M Gordon emphasise my point. A little Plastic Paddy who probably couldn't point to Dublin on a map. Rangers, come and enjoy. Celtic, try Cork or Dublin. We don't want you here.
But Chorley Red, your shopping district looks a lot better now does it not?
Posted by: The Insider, Manchester on 4:05am Thu 8 May 08
From [bold]Manchester Evening News[/bold]
Fan zones for Rangers faithful
Exclusive David Ottewell
7/ 5/2008
MANCHESTER will set up special `fan zones' - serving food and drink - when up to 60,000 Glasgow Rangers fans arrive for the Uefa cup final.
The city is bracing itself for a tartan invasion for the showpiece match at the City of Manchester stadium in a week's time.
Only 13,000 Rangers supporters have tickets for the game - but tens of thousands more are set to come to Manchester to soak up the atmosphere.
It is estimated the number of coaches already booked to travel down from Glasgow would stretch 13 miles if laid bumper-to-bumper.
Council chiefs and police say they are well prepared and have already earmarked Albert Square and Piccadilly Gardens for fan zones.
There will also be live entertainment and Castlefield will host a series of three-a-side football tournaments for young people from across the city.
City leaders are meeting today to decide whether to have screens in the fan zones.
The cup final - which will see Rangers take on Zenit St Petersburg, of Russia - is expected to be worth £5m to Manchester.
Police predicted a peaceful event and called on pubs, bars and other businesses to open as normal.
Pat Karney, the council's city centre spokesman, said: "It's going to be a fantastic busy day and we are making plans so that everyone can enjoy themselves.
Ambassadors
"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.
"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."
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 hotels to be open and to be properly staffed so that we can give visitors a proper welcome."
The council will also put up signs and shuttle buses to help fans with tickets get from the city centre to the stadium.
Rangers fans are also being encouraged to stay in Glasgow, with the match due to be screened at their home stadium, Ibrox.
From
Manchester Evening News
Fan zones for Rangers faithful
Exclusive David Ottewell
7/ 5/2008
MANCHESTER will set up special `fan zones' - serving food and drink - when up to 60,000 Glasgow Rangers fans arrive for the Uefa cup final.
The city is bracing itself for a tartan invasion for the showpiece match at the City of Manchester stadium in a week's time.
Only 13,000 Rangers supporters have tickets for the game - but tens of thousands more are set to come to Manchester to soak up the atmosphere.
It is estimated the number of coaches already booked to travel down from Glasgow would stretch 13 miles if laid bumper-to-bumper.
Council chiefs and police say they are well prepared and have already earmarked Albert Square and Piccadilly Gardens for fan zones.
There will also be live entertainment and Castlefield will host a series of three-a-side football tournaments for young people from across the city.
City leaders are meeting today to decide whether to have screens in the fan zones.
The cup final - which will see Rangers take on Zenit St Petersburg, of Russia - is expected to be worth £5m to Manchester.
Police predicted a peaceful event and called on pubs, bars and other businesses to open as normal.
Pat Karney, the council's city centre spokesman, said: "It's going to be a fantastic busy day and we are making plans so that everyone can enjoy themselves.
Ambassadors
"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.
"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."
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 hotels to be open and to be properly staffed so that we can give visitors a proper welcome."
The council will also put up signs and shuttle buses to help fans with tickets get from the city centre to the stadium.
Rangers fans are also being encouraged to stay in Glasgow, with the match due to be screened at their home stadium, Ibrox.
Posted by: Marco Ranger, Aberdeen on 4:46am Thu 8 May 08
If looking for accomadation for uefa cup final you are best trying Liverpool better accomadation at cheaper than the overpriced Manchester hotels & trains between the two cities 3 an hour only problem is after the match last train about 2315hrs but a taxi will cost about £50.00
If looking for accomadation for uefa cup final you are best trying Liverpool better accomadation at cheaper than the overpriced Manchester hotels & trains between the two cities 3 an hour only problem is after the match last train about 2315hrs but a taxi will cost about £50.00
Posted by: Phil Burke , Spokeperson Manchester Pub & Club Network, Manchester City Centre on 7:17pm Thu 8 May 08
Mancunians are known for their welcoming attitude to visitors , and we will be proud to welcome all the scotish fans into our vibrant city centre next week ,
Manchester is finalising major plans to welcome tens of thousands of football fans for the UEFA Cup Final 2008 on Wednesday 14 May at the City of Manchester Stadium. The event is part of Manchester World Sport 08 - an impressive year of global sport in the city and is one of the biggest sports championships ever to be hosted by Manchester.
It’s a massive occasion for supporters from Glasgow's Rangers FC and FC Zenit St. Petersburg and as well as fans with tickets, we know that thousands without tickets will want to be near their club for the Final, to be part of the celebratory atmosphere.
Major events such as this bring very real benefits to local businesses, generating millions of pounds to Manchester's economy. The City Council and its partners are committed to making this Final a positive and memorable event for all concerned and are urging residents, businesses, pubs and hotels to be prepared to welcome fans and play a huge role in creating a helpful and enjoyable atmosphere – for example, licensed premises may wish to consider screening the match and increase staff levels accordingly.
There will be dedicated Fan Areas for supporters, including Albert Square, Piccadilly Gardens and Cathedral Gardens, with entertainment and access to food and drink, as well as amenities and information provision.
Castlefield will host the final matches of a series of three-a-side football tournaments for young people from across the city, known as the UEFA Cup Final 2008 Manchester 3v3s.
Detailed travel plans are being put in place to manage both ticketed and ticketless fans, with Rangers FC fans being encouraged to come to the city on coaches or public transport. Substantial provision for parking coaches has been made at the Stadium, whilst additional coach parking facilities have been made available close to Lancashire County Cricket Club.
There will be clearly-signed walking routes and shuttle buses for fans with tickets to take them from the city centre to the Stadium, whilst fans without tickets will be encouraged to remain in the city centre and watch the match on screens within the fan zones and other venues.
Clearly, Manchester will be catering for a much larger number of people than usual, and all car parks are also likely to be much busier than normal, so we would encourage businesses to urge their staff to make greater use of our excellent bus, train and tram services, to minimize their journey times.
For safety reasons, some roads around the fan zone at Albert Square will be closed during the day, including parts of Princess Street and Mount Street. These closures will be in place all day on Wednesday 14th.
For everyone who lives and works in Manchester, we are advising them to enjoy this special event and to make sure they allow extra time for important journeys.
( Information Provided by Cityco )
Mancunians are known for their welcoming attitude to visitors , and we will be proud to welcome all the scotish fans into our vibrant city centre next week ,
Manchester is finalising major plans to welcome tens of thousands of football fans for the UEFA Cup Final 2008 on Wednesday 14 May at the City of Manchester Stadium. The event is part of Manchester World Sport 08 - an impressive year of global sport in the city and is one of the biggest sports championships ever to be hosted by Manchester.
It’s a massive occasion for supporters from Glasgow's Rangers FC and FC Zenit St. Petersburg and as well as fans with tickets, we know that thousands without tickets will want to be near their club for the Final, to be part of the celebratory atmosphere.
Major events such as this bring very real benefits to local businesses, generating millions of pounds to Manchester's economy. The City Council and its partners are committed to making this Final a positive and memorable event for all concerned and are urging residents, businesses, pubs and hotels to be prepared to welcome fans and play a huge role in creating a helpful and enjoyable atmosphere – for example, licensed premises may wish to consider screening the match and increase staff levels accordingly.
There will be dedicated Fan Areas for supporters, including Albert Square, Piccadilly Gardens and Cathedral Gardens, with entertainment and access to food and drink, as well as amenities and information provision.
Castlefield will host the final matches of a series of three-a-side football tournaments for young people from across the city, known as the UEFA Cup Final 2008 Manchester 3v3s.
Detailed travel plans are being put in place to manage both ticketed and ticketless fans, with Rangers FC fans being encouraged to come to the city on coaches or public transport. Substantial provision for parking coaches has been made at the Stadium, whilst additional coach parking facilities have been made available close to Lancashire County Cricket Club.
There will be clearly-signed walking routes and shuttle buses for fans with tickets to take them from the city centre to the Stadium, whilst fans without tickets will be encouraged to remain in the city centre and watch the match on screens within the fan zones and other venues.
Clearly, Manchester will be catering for a much larger number of people than usual, and all car parks are also likely to be much busier than normal, so we would encourage businesses to urge their staff to make greater use of our excellent bus, train and tram services, to minimize their journey times.
For safety reasons, some roads around the fan zone at Albert Square will be closed during the day, including parts of Princess Street and Mount Street. These closures will be in place all day on Wednesday 14th.
For everyone who lives and works in Manchester, we are advising them to enjoy this special event and to make sure they allow extra time for important journeys.
( Information Provided by Cityco )
Posted by: stevie wilson, fife on 8:30am Sat 10 May 08
we are british and proud to be so
god save the queen come on the teddy
bears
we are british and proud to be so
god save the queen come on the teddy
bears
Posted by: ian, manchester on 9:49pm Thu 15 May 08
well now that the dust has settled, i think most decent people would agree that we are lucky today that no one died. the behaviour of these fans was appalling. of course the bar owners are happy to take their money in return for fuelling them up . those above who made the negative posts towards me were a portent of what was to come. read the times online to see how the people down here view what went on. rangers fc is a profit making business (nothing more) who received a nice fat cheque for this event. let them reimburse manchester for the cost of this mayhem. had 100,000 customers of any other type of business descended on us and were encouraged to do this, would we allow them to get away with it ? rangers fc and their employees came here to make money and caused a great deal of trouble to the city. it's time we realised football clubs are in fact just businesses. we read a lot of how it is a minority who do this. why then are the 'decent majority' so pleased to associate with such mindless fools ? if 'a silly wee man' like me can foresee the trouble why cant all these other self-proclaimed 'people' figure it out and just stay away ?
well now that the dust has settled, i think most decent people would agree that we are lucky today that no one died. the behaviour of these fans was appalling. of course the bar owners are happy to take their money in return for fuelling them up . those above who made the negative posts towards me were a portent of what was to come. read the times online to see how the people down here view what went on. rangers fc is a profit making business (nothing more) who received a nice fat cheque for this event. let them reimburse manchester for the cost of this mayhem. had 100,000 customers of any other type of business descended on us and were encouraged to do this, would we allow them to get away with it ? rangers fc and their employees came here to make money and caused a great deal of trouble to the city. it's time we realised football clubs are in fact just businesses. we read a lot of how it is a minority who do this. why then are the 'decent majority' so pleased to associate with such mindless fools ? if 'a silly wee man' like me can foresee the trouble why cant all these other self-proclaimed 'people' figure it out and just stay away ?
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