Champions League: Manchester United and Liverpool on course for feared Rome nightmare
UEFA chiefs were last night fearing a nightmare Champions League Final if Manchester United face Liverpool in Rome on May 27.
Holders United were given an ideal route to the Italian capital by being drawn against Porto ahead of a last-four clash with Arsenal or Villarreal.
But while Liverpool will once again have to overcome Chelsea to earn a semi-final showdown with Barcelona or Bayern Munich, the prospect of the two north-west giants, managed by Sir Alex Ferguson and rafa benitez, meeting in Rome has UEFA bosses biting their nails.
While UEFA will not move the final, senior figures at its HQ in Nyon admit the thought of thousands of ticketless Liverpool and United fans is their worst nightmare.
There is also the added threat from local Roma fans, who have a history of violence.
A UEFA insider said last night: “The idea of Liverpool and United meeting is our biggest concern. it’s the highest risk potential final by far.
“There would be thousands of English fans, travelling from the same part of the country and on the same planes.
“You wouldn’t get that with say, Barcelona or Bayern, because the Spanish fans don’t travel and the Germans don’t without tickets.
“We know there will be thousands from Liverpool and Manchester, even if they have no chance of getting in.
“That would put pressure on local police and it’s fair to say they have a mixed reputation. There is the extra problem of local fans, who’ve not exactly covered themselves in glory.”
UEFA granted Liverpool’s wish to play their quarter-final second leg at Stamford Bridge on April 14, so it does not clash with the 20th anniversary of the Hillsborough disaster.
http://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/2009/03/21/champions-league-draw-europe-feared-man-united-and-liverpool-could-meet-in-italy-in-may-115875-21214955/Oh how UEFA loathe english clubs! Seriously from what they are saying I would be more worried about the Roma fans! Of course there is the rivalry between us and United but it is a bit unfair to single out the two clubs.
I don't know why they don't move the final, ok it might be a bit late now but why was Rome chosen? They had plenty of time to choose a different location but have failed to act! So if it is another all english final they have their excuses prepared if anything goes wrong!
