RANGERS supporters' European party ended in carnage as riots broke out following violent scenes in Manchester city centre.
Fan zones turned into war zones with dozens arrested as riot police waded in what became a night of shame and chaos.
Around 30 fans were arrested after trouble flared when a giant screen in the Piccadilly fan zone failed moments before kick off.
Six men, believed to be Rangers fans, were arrested after a Russian supporter was stabbed in the City of Manchester Stadium.
Police expressed their disappointment today after the Uefa Cup Final was marred by clashes between fans and riot police.
Unofficial figures say as many as 200,000 fans made the gathered in the city, where their team lost 2-0 to Zenit St Petersburg.
The scenes came after a day in which the army of Rangers fans had mingled with the 14,000 from Russia in balmy summer sun - with virtually no trouble.
Police said 1500 officers were on duty for the event but they responded to the trouble by calling in an extra 300. Greater Manchester Police some officers were assaulted during the disturbances but none were seriously injured. Elsewhere there were reports of cars being overturned during violent outbreaks.
Police said among the arrests there was four for public order, two for ticket touting, and two for forged tickets.
Meanwhile, in Glasgow Strathclyde Police said 17 fans were arrested outside Ibrox stadium where the match was being shown on a massive screen.
Ambulances were no longer being sent into the city centre unless accompanied by a police escort that could take them directly to accident and emergency. The decision had been taken to protect "the safety of crews."
The accident and emergency department at Manchester Royal Infirmary was kept "very busy" with a constant stream of walking wounded or drunk.
While all roads this week led to Manchester, all routes out of the city were gridlocked after the final whistle.
The biggest hurdle for fans after the game was trying to find a path out of the maze of buses and cars heading for the motorway to begin the long and weary journey home.
Fan zones turned into war zones with dozens arrested as riot police waded in what became a night of shame and chaos.
Around 30 fans were arrested after trouble flared when a giant screen in the Piccadilly fan zone failed moments before kick off.
Six men, believed to be Rangers fans, were arrested after a Russian supporter was stabbed in the City of Manchester Stadium.
Police expressed their disappointment today after the Uefa Cup Final was marred by clashes between fans and riot police.
Unofficial figures say as many as 200,000 fans made the gathered in the city, where their team lost 2-0 to Zenit St Petersburg.
The scenes came after a day in which the army of Rangers fans had mingled with the 14,000 from Russia in balmy summer sun - with virtually no trouble.
Police said 1500 officers were on duty for the event but they responded to the trouble by calling in an extra 300. Greater Manchester Police some officers were assaulted during the disturbances but none were seriously injured. Elsewhere there were reports of cars being overturned during violent outbreaks.
Police said among the arrests there was four for public order, two for ticket touting, and two for forged tickets.
Meanwhile, in Glasgow Strathclyde Police said 17 fans were arrested outside Ibrox stadium where the match was being shown on a massive screen.
Ambulances were no longer being sent into the city centre unless accompanied by a police escort that could take them directly to accident and emergency. The decision had been taken to protect "the safety of crews."
The accident and emergency department at Manchester Royal Infirmary was kept "very busy" with a constant stream of walking wounded or drunk.
While all roads this week led to Manchester, all routes out of the city were gridlocked after the final whistle.
The biggest hurdle for fans after the game was trying to find a path out of the maze of buses and cars heading for the motorway to begin the long and weary journey home.
No comments:
Post a Comment