United key to security overhaul
United have played a key role in the formation of a new partnership
which is set to improve security at football matches across
Europe.
The Home Office reviewed last season's clashes between fans and
police at United's Champions League quarter-final, first leg in
Italy against AS Roma, as well as Tottenham's trip to Sevilla and
the Champions League final between AC Milan and Liverpool.
The report raised concerns about crowd management tactics, wide
variations in safety and security arrangements in stadia across the
continent and supporter behaviour. In reaction, experts from the UK
and across Europe will work closely together with UEFA to:
*Ensure that all European football stadia possess integrated crowd
management and safety and security arrangements, in part to avoid
over-reliance on the use of riot police to undertake crowd
management functions;
*Provide updated and comprehensive core safety and security
standards for international football events;
*Develop pan-European training for stadium safety officers,
stewards and police;
*Ensure that safety and security preparations and arrangements for
international football tournaments including high profile European
club matches are subject to early and ongoing multi-national expert
evaluation.
A United spokesman told ManUtd.com: The events of last season
clearly demonstrated the need for crowd control standards to be set
and met across Europe and this is welcome news.
"The Home Office has acted decisively to examine and identify the
problems faced by UK citizens while abroad watching English clubs
play in the major competitions.
"This Club is always ready to provide constructive support and
advice when asked.
Supporters who wish to read the full Home Office review can do so
by following this link: http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/documents/HOfootball-review2007.pdf