I agree...

paolo, roma, ITALY

yes it is true too much violence in the stadium in italy people and the secutity is ridiculous...the last time a policeman was killed...just to say how much violence there is...

luca, MILANO, ITALY

I totally agree with Alexis. How honest can be this kind of information: the harmless good English fans on one side, and the cruel, aggressive Roman fans on the other side...I

You really make me laugh....What's that ? British humour ???!!!!

Cristina, Rome, Italy

Vincenzo wrote "If the accident that caused the policeman death in feb had happened in the UK or in another civilised country, the reaction would have been much stronger and sound, causing probably the suspension of the league and the direct expulsion of all teams from european competitions."
Why UEFA don't suspend France league when in November died in Paris a supporter of PSG?
France is a civil country but unfortunately thugs are everywhere.
I live in Italy and it is very sad listen bad news of violence for a footbal match, I suppose that in each country can be happen everything.
I hope to see a beatiful footbal match without violence in and off the pitch.

Marco, Rome, Italy

If the accident that caused the policeman death in feb had happened in the UK or in another civilised country, the reaction would have been much stronger and sound, causing probably the suspension of the league and the direct expulsion of all teams from european competitions. This happened in England in the '80s and the hooligan's problem was duly solved; in italy it seems to be convenient to keep problems alive and to chat about that without doing basically anything.
Fans are often nothing more than a banch of thugs looking for riots; and on the oher side, very sadly, cops are unprepared and often unwilling to maintain order around stadiums.
Hopefully mancunians will give a lesson on and off the pitch to romans.

Vincenzo, Manchester, UK

I find it hilarious that English clubs and the English media are giving lectures to other clubs about the behaviour of their fans, and warning people to be careful about possible crowd trouble abroad. When there is any crowd trouble in the continent during Champions League games or European games in general, it is usually brought on by the English fans themselves. In my opinion it should be the Roma president and board members that should send out a clear message to the entire city:
“BE WARNED, THE ENGLISH WILL BE IN TOWN ON WEDNESDAY NIGHT”.
Either the Italians, the Germans or the Turks…..it’s always someone else’s fault when it comes to football fanaticism, and yet time and time again we see images of inebriated yobs wearing the three lions, tearing apart either a square in Rotterdam, or a beach resort in Marseille, or a stadium in Belgium, or bars in Copenhagen (where an England fan actually lost his life).

Alexis Grate, London, UK

It is misplacing blame to point to Man U fans being at fault for attending a football match. That is similar to blaming women for being assaulted due to what they wear, which is also wrong. In civilized society you should be able to attend a sporting event without the expectation or likelihood of being killed or attacked. Violence toward opposing team supporters should not be tolerated, full stop. Grow up Roma fans.

Bryan, Reading, UK

Guys why don't you stay home? I don't understand football supporters who travel in places where they know they will have a problem. Do you remember that Leed's supporter who was murdered in Turkey? Everyone knew that would have been problem with that game, but this guy left his two kids at home and flew to istanbul. I really believe football supporters are not very smart generally... Take care of your families and watch the game on tv instead!!

Max, The world, not important

The points regarding UEFA/FIFA's toothless approach on violence, racism etc are well made. Essentially, 'rules' in sport (or any other area) are only for the northern countries who buy into 'equality', 'fairplay' and the rest. Around the Med, the prevailing attitude is to look presentable, smile affably and then take you for everything they can get. You will get lip service on issues such as violence, curruption etc if they feel it will effect their business but no real commitment towards resolving the problems properly. A cultural issue? If Man U/Roma passes without incident it will be a miracle.

Marco Vincenzo, London,

It's in the Romans' blood. They're not allowed to watch people slaughter each other in gladiatorial games anymore, so they resort to, and accept, mindless violence at football games.

How Rosella Sensi can deny that there may be tension is incredible, until you remember that this is the country which excused several clubs involved in serious match rigging and allowed Berlusconi to lead the country while still controlling 70% of its media. Having said this, I agree that 'Problems born when people drunk too much' - a very wise saying which I hadn't come across before.

John, Brussels,

i think romans are the ones who have to be worried about the usual uncivilized behaviour of english fans abroad. We had a lot of Scottish fans in Bari last week for the euro qual. match, and all went in a great way because of the high level of civilization of them. English should just learn from their neighbours after all.

fabio, milan, italy

I think Italian clubs should not be allowed to take part in europe at all because of their history in cheating their way to winning trophies.It's no secret that the italians would do "anything" to get their filthy hands on the trophy .United beware!!!

simon, B'Kara (from valletta), malta

I allow to give a suggestion our friends english:not drink and not provocate.
Please avoid stupid people italians and not.
Problems born when people drunk too much.
Don't make drunk!
I hope it will be a nice match, without disputes.
only a pleasant show.
Forza Roma

Leonardo, Avezzano, Italy

To Madrid Fan, Bradford

Thank God you're literate. Wouldn't it be a shame if The Times started to allow gobbledygook on their website. And regard your assertion that 'spanish clubs arnt nasty okay', they might not be 'nasty', I wouldn't know, but they do resort to underhand transfer tactics year, after year. Its time they, and other clubs who feel themselves 'above the law', i.e. Chelski, were brought into line.

The same might be said of Roma, but in a different context. That the MD of the club can go public and say that she perceives no tension, frankly defies belief. She should be trying to address it, not ignore it.

Regards,

A distressed Anglo-Italian Pole

C, London,

What is the benefit of professional sport anyway?

Matthias, Birmingham,

It has long been the case that Italian clubs, in particular Roma have posed a threat to travelling fans, in fact a lot seems to go on in italian football with little punishment.
Roma's voilent past should have got them a long term ban from european competition by now and after years of domestic cheating i am unsure why AC Milan are allowed to take part this season.
I hope for a fair match with no aftermath but fear there may be some trouble from the notourias 'Ultras' who in recent years have proven they are more interested in fighting than the football.

Thomas White, Ashford, UK

yeah well not as if christiano ronaldos the best player in the world.and the spanish clubs arnt nasty okay.and mike ur comment was good

madrid fan, bradford, united kingdom

Why havent Roma been banned from European competition?

If English clubs can be banned for Heysel-where the deaths were inadvertent, how can Roma not be sanctioned for their fans murderous intent?

Gurdip , Los Angeles, USA

I am a keen fan of Roma and i have been to Rome on a number of occasions for holidays and to see the games. I would advise that the information you have been given by your club is to be taken seriously, as the Ultras do have a reputation for overexhuberant and almost psychotic support for their team. Nothing else matters than to see Roma win!! What can you do? Travel in Groups of at least 5-10 minimum. Do not where your colours in Rome, city centre as they also have another rival team there who also do not like you very much. If you speak some italian, this will in most cases defuse many potential incidents, as the Romans are always shocked when you converse in their mother tongue. Many owners in Central Rome speak good English, ASK THEIR ADVICE, if you are not travelling with the club how best to get away from the stadium after the game. The Ultras have nothing better to do than start trouble. Look, its a great city, my favourite in the world, enjoy the day and the game, and keep safe

Phillip Alexander, london, England

Having lived and worked in Rome and Napoli I believe that ManU's attempt to stave off any trouble will do little good. The small but vociferous hoolie element connected to AS Roma will not care how the reds get there or how long they are kept in the stadium after the game. The reason being that they know that English away fans are always going to enjoy a beer before and after the game and that's where they will find them. And they also know that it will only take a little provocation for the equally small number of up for it English fans to respond.
But I suppose they had to be seen to be doing something.

Marco Carelli, Leeds,

Owen Hargreaves moving to United will be a step up for him; Ronaldo moving to Spain would set him back. We only have the players' best interests at heart.

Are you a Chelsea fan, perchance?

David Harrison, Manchester, UK

Remembering what happened to Liverpool a few years ago, why are Roma even allowed in the competition if their fans are so violent?

mike, glos, uk

How awful that these nasty Spanish are tapping up Cristiano! Do please ask Sir Bobby about his club's dealings with Owen Hargreaves.

Mod, London,