Thursday

Police 'sickened' by violence

Police were "sickened" after a man was stabbed inside the City of Manchester Stadium as violent clashes between fans and riot police marred the UEFA Cup final between Rangers and Zenit St Petersburg.
Six men, believed to be Rangers supporters, were arrested after a Russian supporter was stabbed inside the stadium as the Scottish side went down 2-0.
Outside the ground, some Rangers fans confronted officers and began to throw bottles.
Trouble also flared after a screen meant to be showing the game in the Piccadilly Garden fan zone failed to work, leaving disgruntled supporters - who had waited all day to see the historic tie - unable to watch the game.
Riot police were deployed around the area, as some fans threw bottles and cans. After backing off, officers then charged the fans, pushing them back.
At a press conference after the match, Assistant Chief Constable Justine Curran of Greater Manchester Police repeatedly spoke of her "disappointment" of the fans whose violent behaviour had overshadowed the day.
She also defended the response of the police and preparations made by Manchester ahead of the event.
"It has been a largely peaceful day in Manchester full of carnival and celebration and well over 100,000 people have been in the city and behaved themselves," she said.
"But I'm really disappointed that has been spoiled by pockets of disorder that have broken out in the city centre.
"A minority of thugs have overshadowed what should have been a great occasion. I've watched them commit damage, assault my officers and I'm really sickened and disappointed," she added.

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