UEFA relief at avoiding all-English final
There was relief at UEFA after AC Milan's victory over Manchester
United avoided an all-English Champions League final - and
president Michel Platini is convinced the climax of the European
season will pass off in Athens on May 23 without any crowd
trouble.
The fact Liverpool and AC Milan met in the Champions League final
only two seasons ago will help security preparations, while a
potential flashpoint between rival sets of English fans has been
avoided.
UEFA are also pleased Milan's victory means they are not faced with
overwhelming dominance of Premier League sides in Europe's top club
competition.
One senior UEFA executive told PA Sport: 'I think many of us at
UEFA are relieved it is not a Liverpool v Manchester United final -
not just from a security point of view but because this is meant to
be a pan-European competition, and it is much better if it is not
two clubs from the same country in the final.
'It should also make preparations that much easier - the logistics
would be much more complicated with two clubs from the same
country, and in security terms we are experienced in dealing with a
Liverpool v AC Milan final.'
Platini, who was elected UEFA president earlier this year, praised
the players and fans of all four semi-finalists.
He told the UEFA website: 'I would also like to take this
opportunity to thank and praise the fans who have attended the
semi-finals for creating such a wonderful atmosphere at the
matches.
'They have contributed in a positive manner to making the
semi-finals such an exciting spectacle.
'I am convinced that both Liverpool and Milan fans will contribute
to making the Athens final a landmark in festive behaviour.'
Platini said the prospect of a re-match between the 2005 finalists
was mouth-watering.
He added: 'They are two clubs who have won the trophy 11 times
between them will meet for the second time in two years.
'On the last occasion in Istanbul in 2005, Liverpool and Milan
produced a match that occupies a special place in European football
history.
'I am sure that the two teams will be striving to make this year's
final an equally memorable occasion at the splendid Athens Olympic
Stadium.'