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