Uefa demand greater security for Champions League final

Darren Ennis,Reuters
Thursday 12 March 2009 12:58 EDT
Comments
(GETTY IMAGES)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Uefa want Italian police to beef up security for this season's Champions League final after an Arsenal fan was stabbed before a match in Rome on Wednesday, but have no plans to move the showpiece from the capital.

"We are two months from the event, so it is not really possible. We are not thinking of moving the final at this stage," William Gaillard, special advisor to Uefa president Michel Platini, told Reuters on Thursday.

"This was a regrettable incident and any incident like this is one too many. We have been speaking to the Italian authorities regularly in the run up to final and we will be asking them to step up their efforts in light of this event."

An Arsenal fan was stabbed in the leg and two others were injured in incidents before the London side's Champions League win over AS Roma at the Stadio Olimpico.

The stab victim was attacked after AS Roma fans boarded a bus taking Arsenal supporters to the stadium but was not in a life-threatening condition, the English club said in a statement.

Gaillard said the exit of Roma and Italy's other remaining clubs from European soccer's top competition this week will help to police the final on 27 May.

"Roma has no become a defacto neutral venue for the final which should make life easier. Wednesday's incident gives us food for thought, but we are confident we will have everything in place to ensure a safe final for all fans," Gaillard said.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in