Vote: Should the Champions League final be moved from Rome?

Comments

[Dave]

I agree whole heartly that this final should not be played in Rome regardles on whether an English team get there or not. However, I do not believe Uefa or FIFA have the best interest of an English team let alone a football support to heart. (Remeber last year when 2 English teams and fans had to fly out to Moscow and the debacle surrounding travel arrangements for both sets of fans) Time and time again we hear of serious violence being commited by other european football teams 'supposed' fans with little or no consequence. Dear I say should it be from an Engilsh supporter/fan, then these people who attempt to run and impose rules and regulations will find a rule specific to English clubs and ban English football for all and enternity. I have little to no faith that Uefa will do the right thing. So to all those deaf ears sitting in the ivory tower called Uefa , do the right thing and move the final away from Rome.

[Tim H]

If they don't move it and someone gets hurt, the blood will be a on UEFA's hands. They have been advised by many of the danger to away fans - they are fools if they ignore it.

[Chris Fenton]

Its time for UEFA to be proactive and not reactive to these incidents of violence that occur in Rome. The lessons of Heysel seem to have been forgotten by the new custodians of European football.

Mr Platini and his collegues should be aware that the champions league is a significant event, not just in european football but world football. Do they want the game to become a mere sideshow of the tradegy that could occur?

If you ask any person about the European final in 1985 and no one ever mentions the actual game or even the winners, its almost like it never happened.

It would be a catastrophic failure by UEFA not to see sense and move the final before April becomes May.

Nothing from the Italian FA or Italian police has supported the view that they are succeeding in the battle against hooliganism and violence and until UEFA make an example of Italian teams and their fans, like they did deservedly with the English in the 80's, UEFA have a timebomb on their hands. Its up to them to be brave and diffuse it before it explodes.

[Andy Gordon]

COME ON FOLKS...We all had reservations on the final being played in Moscow last year.Its not the venue at fault here,its the police and stewards that let everyone down.WE must not let some mindless individuals get in the way of spoiling the European Champions League final for the true fans,that quite rightly should see this great game being played in one of Europe's finest city's....ROME.
Italy-get your house in order,or we ferry in the police and stewads alike to help you do the job properly,as we have done for the last 15 years or more in the UK.

[Tom]

Hooliganism has no place in society. If it were an English city with the problem I'd say the same thing. Move the final and make a statement that this behaviour will not be tolerated.

[john milce]

UEFA have stuffed up with the choice of stadium for the past 4 years (including this one).

The previous 3 finals have all been in eastern Europe. The accessibility of the destinations, and cost of getting there was prohibitive. A cursory examination of finalists for the past 20 years will clearly demonstrate that the vast majority of final teams (and therefore supporters) are based in western Europe.

Enough has already been said about the suitability of the actual stadiums / cities (Athens in particular) to host finals so no need to repeat it all here.

Apart from the violence that will undoubtedly occur in Rome, the stadium itself is over 60 years old.

Instead of pandering to member nations by rotating the final it should be held in Stade de France every year:-

Geographically Convenient to the likely final contenders (England, Italy, Spain, Germany)
Excellent transport links - rail, air, sea (Chunnel) and road into Paris
Excellent access to the stadium itself (served by 2 metro lines)
Plenty of accommodation
Modern, large, stadium
And the food's good as well ;-)

I'm not French by the way, and have no connection with France.

[Keith]

I watched Italy v Wales in Milan 2006 World Cup qualifier .
I would not go back . The attacks on Welsh fans were ignored by the police , but we knew if we did anything wrong there would be no tolerance .
All English final would just be trouble .

[h. a. grudge]

No way should the final be played in Rome.
If the italians MUST have the final (and I don't see why they should) then let it be played in Milan. The stadium is much better than Rome's anyway.

[Les Riley]

The Italian police are terrified of the hooligans. For them it is safer to treat the visiting fans with a brutality that matches the thuggery of the Ultras rather than do the right thing.

[Andrea]

Roma's "Ultras" have stabbed Manchester United, Liverpool, Middlesbrough and Arsenal supporters.........probably Chelsea fans weren't meaty enough!

[Martin Fox]

The final should be held in Rome. Lets not get on our high moral ground and pretend that all of a sudden English fans are victims here. Admittedly, Italy has a problem. However, if there were no English teams left in the competition would we even be having this topic covered? In 2011 if a Russian team and an Italian team make the final, should Wembley as a venue be changed?? Guys,money talks in football, Italy is a powerful country and UEFA will NEVER take the final away from them. Nor should it

[Pech]

Do Roma fans have any history of trouble with any nationalities the than the Brits? We see a long list of English clubs' fans who have been attacked but I've not seen mention of trouble between Italian and Spanish or French fans for example.

Is this a case of not reporting it in this country or do the Italian fans have a particular problem with the English?

Or is it a case that the English fans aren't quite as innocent as they make out?

I'm not accusing anyone, just asking the question.

[Alex Way-Rider]

To be perfectly honest, i cannot believe that after the fiasco and happening that occured when Manchester United played Roma, that FIFA would even consider Rome as a host city, purely based on their violent, yet passionate support. Although there are no Italian teams left in the competition, this does not stpo them from being jelous. Therefore, the possiblity of a mass attack on both team's supporters, especially if Arsenal get through to the final, would be very high!! So, therefore i believe whole heartedly that the Final should be moved away from Rome, in a coutry that has no native teams playing in the competition.

[Mike]

I agree Pot kettle black. I was in leicester square after the Euro 96 game between England and Scotland and it was terrifying.
Bottles flying 50 feet up in air and stampedes.
Do not think we are in a position to criticise too much.

[Marco]

Hi all. I am an Italian football fan, following one of the Clubs in serie A (nor Roma neither Lazio, the two Rome's clubs). I regret to say that stabbing happens in Rome basically every sunday, as both Roma and Lazio supporters have a well gained bad fame. What is worse is that the Italian authorities, and the local town regulators, tend to minimize any stab episode just for the sake of not alarming UEFA in relation to the forthcoming CL final match. Everybody knows the final match is big business...
Rome has become in the past 10 years a dangerous place for ANY away fun, no matter the nationality, color, faith or whatever. To this extent, I regret to say it as I am Italian, however I believe UEFA should definitively change the location of the match. Is Rome unsuitable and anyway the turn of Italy to host the final? Well, Italy is not only Rome: choose Napoli or Milano. Both stadiums may host up to 80k people. Funs there are of course not angels, as I guess they are not all over the world, however nothing compared to Rome's. Saluti a tutti.

[ANDY]

From Italy...
we said: UEFA should definitively change the location of the match.

[rizs]

The Olympics should be taken away from the UK and no big events should be held there, especially in London, due to the risk of the well-documented knife-culture.

Move it before the next round of matches therefore no bias would be given as an excuse regarding venue. Why not the Santiago Bernabéu?? Madrid are not even in the competition anymore. Then if need be change the venue for 2010.

[marino]

From Italy:first of all ,you must pay attentions to the Manchester Utd's supporter and Manchester's police.
Then...you all are welcome in Rome...

[Joe]

I dream a Final between no english teams. So you can go wherever you want, but not in Italy :)

[Dave]

Pech
Madrid fans got stabbed there either last year or the year before

[Massimo]

this campaign does not make sense, mainly because the english teams will not pass the next round...

cheers

[Filippo Fortini]

I'd love if they moved the final somewhere else.

I'm not a soccer fan but unfortunately I have an office pretty close to the stadium. You have no idea what it's like for regular folks to be held hostages of soccer fans and authorities alike. Whenever there are british teams in rome, they even enforce a no alcohol rule for the 24 hours leading to the game.
Try explain one of your prized clients that he can't have a glass of wine with his steak because soccer rules over everything else.
Move the final to mars or to London as far as I'm concerned.
Filippo Fortini
p.s.
by the way it's just soccer that has a problem, it's not the British nor the italian fans, but soccer fans (albeit not all of them) because whenever the 6 Nations is in town, no matter what team Italy plays, we all have a pint or two together, we sing, we have fun and nothing ever happens.

[Giuseppe De Marzo]

Even if there were some regrettable episodes of stabbing, I don't think Rome is a dangerous city. In addition, I'd like to remind you that the worst episodes of violence in the history of football implicate British supporters. People who live in glass houses shouldn't throw stones...

[P.]

You re talking about roma or italian supporters..but think of english hooligans and what they did in the history of football!

May 29, 1985
Heysel Stadium Disaster
39 people died

England, please.....

[Marco da Milano]

the english teams are welcome in Italy and i hope that will be a beautifull night for everyone football fans!! good life..
Marco

[Marco da Milano]

The english teams and their funs are welcome in Italy and i hope that will be a beautifull night for everyone football funs!!
..or why don't you play in San Siro, that is the very "Scala" of soccer??
..good life..
Marco

[Alex]

yes i must agree with the " macaronarii" lets not forget what happened in 85' plus there will be a high security alert and i don't think there will be any problems

[me]

take the final of champions league an play it with the queen....anyway...barcelona willtake all your teams down like milan did three years ago...greetings...

[Mick, Cork, IRELAND]

Why, months after the venue was named, do you come up with such a crazy idea? What stadium would suit?

Moscow? You (the English media) complained about it.
Athens? Ditto.
Istanbul? As above.

This is blatant xenophobia and arrogance. It seems, according to this forum, that the non-Brits are the source of all footy's woes.

Take a good, long look in the mirror fellas.

[Bruno]

Rome is fit for Champions League final.

It will be a beautiful night of football.

[Stephen Ireland]

I'd also love to see all England international matches be moved on a rotation basis and permanently behind closed doors, maybe their fans they'll stop drinking and hassling the rest of the world

[Ces]

Ridiculous campaign!

Problems English fans have encountered in Rome have been when playing local teams. Since there are no Italian teams left in the CL,why should there be a problem?

For once, UEFA have selected a location for the final that ticks all the boxes: accessible, relatively inexpensive, large capacity stadium and city well worth visiting. The only minus is the Italian police, but that problem also exists in Spain (remember Tottenahm's experience in Seville), France, Belgium, etc.

In my all my travels to Rome - as a tourist, football supporter and on business - I have always found the Romans to friendly, hospitable and immensely proud of their city.

This whole campaign smacks of little Englander mentality. Presumably you won't be satisfied until the final is located to Wembley.

[Mark]

I am english but have lived in rome for the last 10 years and have never felt even threatened, until last year when I was attacked in the middle of the city by english fans(hooligans) who through I was Italian.
This has got to be a joke London is far more dangerous.
the only danger in rome is avoiding tourists.

[salvo da Catania]

Rome don't merit the final cup.
In January 2008 supporters of Catania had been stab to shoulder by cowards
J don't forget...

[Paolo Catena]

This suggestion is simply absurd! Italian fans are violent?? Look who's talking! Have you just forgot what happened at Heysel stadium in 1985?
In conclusion are you so sure that the final match will be amid two english teams? Please,think before speak (or write) such foolishness.

[roger dodger]

You can't have the final in Rome.With all the hooligan problem every weekend in italy.Furthermore rome just do have enough good simple accomodations.You must be joking to have the final there.

[Nico]

In the 1985, at the Heysel Stadium 39 people died, mostly fans of Juventus, because of English supporters: this disaster is one of the most high profile and one of the worst cases of football english hooliganism in Europe.
My question is: How many british supporters have been killed by italian supporters?

[giuseppe]

the English people are ridiculous
your hooligans are the most dangerous supporters in Europe I think that no final should be held in England

[Alberto]

That's simply unbelivable!! Why you think that Rome is not safety enough?! British supporters was famous some years ago for their violence, and also in this times we read about fight against rivals boy-gangs in British towns, and now for you the problem is Italy! Do you think that London or Manchester is more safe than Rome??? Rome, our beautiful city, has been choosed for a lot of finals and events through the century, maybe you should think more about your problems, we will take care of ours. And anywere, A.s. Roma and his supporters are out of the competition, so what you are afraid for?!? Bah....

[Spike]

As a Liverpool fan, whether we get to the CL Final or not I am concerned for FOOTBALL fans. I did not go to Rome in 2001 for our UEFA cup game as I was genuinely worried I might not come home alive. I have not been to Italy for any european games and I will not in the future. To call english fans "hooligans" is a disgrace compared to Roma fans and the Italian police force. I have never had any trouble in any other european country and think Rome should have a long hard look at themselves, they would soon see they are the disgrace of europe.

[ANDREA]

There aren't well-founded reasons to move the Champions League final from Italy. Italians love European soccer and Rome is one of the most beautiful city in Europe (maybe the most) where a final could take place. Everyway, as Italian, I'm really happy that your four teams among the finalists we'll can see (I hope) some English team: at present, I must say, we'd have something to learn from you.

[Sean]

We are debating recent matters. Whenever you there is a european game featuring Rome in Rome. All of them, especially when they loose, but i think the levels will be down because there bad team were knocked out!!! haha, stupid Roma

[Claudio Dagostin]

I think the main problem for this final would be having 60k english fans in the same city equally divided by their team support. It will be really hard to control hundreds of drunken people looking for a fight against their counterpart and maybe, why not, against the terrible roman citizens. I would be really scared and if I were in Rome I would probably leave on those days.
Sometimes english people should look at their home before making such comments: Rome stab city? The surely very regrettable incidents that happened in Rome were involving mainly wounds in the bum. Look at the statistics and you will find many more people actually dying in the english cities for stabbing related injuries (expecially teenagers!!)than probably anywhere in europe.

[Chris]

I think the logistic issues of changing the venue now would prevent it happening. If the policing is tight, which I believe it will be, there should not be an issue. I don't get the impression that Romans wish to have their reputation soiled on such a global stage.

With the Roma fans thankfully eliminated, there should be much less involvement. If they had ended up in the final, I think there would have been serious problems. At least give Rome the benefit of the doubt. If issues do occur, take action afterwards and give them a short ban from European competition.

[Claudio Dagostin]

Also I should point out that the incidents occurred to english fans in rome have been always provoked by some Roma supporters for the old rivaltry that Rome has got with Liverpool since the 1984 final.
You don't have to forget that the fans of the hugely popular other team of Rome which is Lazio, do actually like very much english teams and fans as demonstrated by the last summer friendly match in Liverpool. The atmosphere was so good that looked like a rugby match and at the end of the game the Lazio fans joined many Reds to the near pubs for a drink together.

[Matteo]

You are right! No final in rome!

[Lee Hudson]

While i agree the disaster in 1985 was bad and our fault that was nearly a quarter of a century ago. Yes English fans were bad but you only have to see the scenes from the Man Utd game and recently the Arsenal game to realise that this venue is not sensible. By all accounts the final most probably will be all English again and if this is the case why not have the final at Wembley?

If the English fans are so bad then surely Rome will not want them to visit for the final and therefore let these so called hooligans cause "trouble" in London alone and not ruin your beautiful trouble free city.

[tommaso]

I don't remember many finals played in Uk, what I do remember is the last year's final of Uefa cup played in Manchester and I think all of us remember how the end.

[Piergiuseppe]

In Italy there is a story of football... thet's it.

[atuans]

i'm agree with this campaign, did you know that only in this season romanist have stabbed more than 17 againist supporters?

[Nipol]

thanks!!! I am Italian and I am with you! Finally someone denounces! The fan's romani uncivilized and violent fans who stabbed across Italy and Europe. They are right in London: a ROMA NO!

Bravi. Io sono italiano e sono con voi! Finalmente qualcuno lo denuncia!!! I tifosi romani incivili e violenti che hanno accoltellato tifosi di tutta Italia e mezza Europa. Hanno ragione a Londra: NO a ROMA!

[alex granata]

I follow both Pemier Ligue and Serie A. There is an easy way to solve the problem of violence during any soccer match. Forbid the selling of alcohol to any English fan, he may learn to behave in a civilized way and not as a drunken lout.
P.S. England may even be able to reach the European Chanpionship.

[germano greco]

Hey man,
don't you remember that you can't judge a book by its cover?
So come in Rome,have a nice stay,because we all love you really!
There's nothing to worry about,all your enemies are in your head...i'm sure the whole city will prove it
So help us to groove ,give us this chance...may is a fantastic month to get a tour in Rome
Ciao!!!

[PTA (from Rome)]

I'm italian. The Stadio Olimpico is the oldest stadium in the world, it sucks! And I live in Rome... the italian football is 30 years oldest, the fans are violent, cowards, all the italian football system is ancient, players are not loyal, media are factious, tv directors are not professionals, we don't deserve the final in our country

[andrea]

Roma's supporters are infamous

Good only with the knife

[dino,Italy]

Hello,friend,I'm Italian and congratulation to all english football and your good supporters.

I agree that.Roma and Italy are civil people,but when see a ball,they lose the head.
The "normal turists" haven't problem;but it's not the same for a "football turist".

I've got shame for Italian peoples when there is a ball,it isn't normal and it is preysthoric.

Excuse for my english,good luck in champions,great Land and great supporters!

[Sean]

hahahah ultras are cowards???
nope italian mates,I went to rome following MUFC and I can assure you...THEY ARE QUITE DANGEROUS.saying that roma is safe and that the local ultras aren't on violence is sheer fantasy...change the hosting city

[SABRINA]

I THINK ROMA IT'S PERFECT FOR CL FINAL AND FOR THE MONDIAL 2014!!!!WWW ROMA WE ARE A CIVIL PEOPLE AND WHO SAY NO ANE ONLY INVIDIOS OF OUR BEAUTHIFULL CITY!! ROMA SI,ROMA SI!!

[Rhys Jaggar]

Is there any evidence that Roma fans stab fans coming to Rome to play a game against another team?

1. Probably not if they don't got drunk, loud, abusive and truculent?
2. Probably not if they don't try and have sex in the town's water fountains?
3. Probably not if they behave respectfully when in Rome, but cheer their team passionately at the game?
4. Probably not if they steer clear of areas advised as dangerous by the Roman police force?

All in all, it would be difficult to justify at this time.

But if there is any trouble, then it must be made clear that Rome will not host another event for a very long time indeed.

Worst case scenario: I'm sure the Italian President would be able to move the game to the San Siro. Whether the hoteliers of Milan would be able to accommodate the invasion at such short notice is perhaps of greater concern.......

[redscouse]

was in Rome for eufa cup game in 2001 6 or 7 liverpool fans stabbed or slashed another 2/3 2 years later....and at least 30 in 1984's european cup final against Roma in Rome....there is no other capital city of any country in europe that can emulate Rome/ Roma in its treatment of opposition supporters. why do UEFA do this every year....2005 Istanbul couldn't get any further away from Liverpoool in Europe, 2006 diabolical organistaion in Athens, 2007 chelsea and UTD in moscow????? why don't they keep it flexibe and decide later in the tournament?

[Sean]

follow my reasoning...

1)Surely it can't be rome

2)Or otherwise there will be chaos..

3)Like the other times in rome

4)Oh my god I was so scared that day

5)Lovely city ok,but the ultras...?!

6)A family could be stabbed!!ehy?!

7)My friends said the wont come..

8)Ehy..that's mental..no way in rome

[Piero]

Mayor of Rome wrote a letter to Times,that letter is a load of rubbish.He wrote:"London stabbed on Google 2.670.000 results,ten times than "Rome stabbed".If you write "Rome stabbed" 1.150.000 results,not 267.000.Ah ah he doesn't know the word accuracy,actually city council budget is a disaster.By the way,stabbings in London are caused mainly by internal fighting between youth immigrant gangs,football fans usually are safe;in Rome some "ultras" are violent and cowards and attack with knives also quiet disarmed people.Besides most of the press in Italy is not objective and is dully chauvinist,especially about some issues.

[Caroline]

I don't understand why the venue for the final has to be decided so early; it would be much safer and more logical to decide after UEFA know the likely candidates for the final. My dad and his friends went to Rome to watch England in the 80s, not looking for trouble and experienced so much violence that none of them have ever returned to the city for any reason.

[max]

The real questions should be:
"If two (or even one) english teams make it to the final , should their fans be allowed to run drunk around the streets of Rome, as they do back home every night regardless of weather there is a football game on or not?"

[M Hughes]

There a lot of comments regarding the drinking habits of the English football fan........The gist seems to be that if fans get drunk in Rome, it's their fault if they are the victims of violence and knife attacks. How preposterous.......

[bob]

Everyone who watched the Heysel tragedy closely knows that the Italian "fans" were equally to blame.Uefa used this incident to level the playing field and could only ban the English to stop their dominance.Do not ever expect a fair shake from Uefa.This is double standards- can you imagine an English club with Roma's record getting rewarded with the final-Imbeciles! If anyone does get hurt attending this final surely this is grounds for a huge lawsuit.

[Frank]

Before i have my say on the matter i as an italian in england for 15 years, would like to say that it is unacceptable to be stabbed for a football match but it is also unacceptable that several dozen of english kids get stabbed and actually die every week in england just because they are sons ok gangland. So think about your one backyard before sentencing so easly.
And By the way Rome is perfectly safe for the final of champions league as could be London and don't forget the next world cup is in South Africa should we go there considering the level of crime?

[Heather Rickman]

It's not just the ever present threat of violence - the stadium and policing are not up to scratch. We were there a few years ago for the Arsenal Roma game and the Italian fans burned a union jack and held up a flag with 'God F***! the Queen on - which seemed totally acceptable to the Italian police. We had any alcohol and coins taken off us althugh we were free to purchase alcohol and have coins as change inside. On top of that the seats were bolted onto the terraces and the loos were holes in the ground - all not acceptable in the 21st Century

[Derek]

I have one simple question - How would we all feel if it was a friend of ours that had been stabbed or in fact we were stabbed?

Because of this the answer is simple football as much as we love it is not worth an individuals life hence out of respect the final should be moved to another ground within the same country, Italian football shouldn't not be punished Roma and its fans should be punished. UEFA needs to act and act quickly.

As a Middlesbrough fan it was a very disturbing time for our town when it happened to us, who will be next??

[Stephen Hinde]

There is a major difference between Italy and England. In the former the ultra 'problem' is visible to the authorities and clubs. In the latter, the problem still exists but has gone underground to escape the attention of the media and the police. Add to that the unpredictable nature of urban gang culture in England, and I think its safe to say that this wretched Times campaign stinks of both double standards and selective use of information.

[Anthony]

Earlier this season uefa said that if the roma fans caused any trouble the venue of the CL final would be reviewed. Lo and behold there was inevitable violence from the fans in the arsenal/roma game. The decision to review the venue of the final was not undertaken therefore english fans must hope that when the all-english final does take place that the policing is in order as there is sadly no way that the venue will be changed. When are Uefa going to stop their lenient stance on every country in europe bar the english?

[Francesco]

I'm italian.It's not correct linking Rome to that violent image as it's been said. Probably this fact hides the fear that italians supporters could be in favour of Barcellona's team.Because..you know..it's not so easy that two english teams will be in this year's final.Anyway if it happens it remains incredible: if we apply the same matter, remembering the Heysel facts (39 people),there won't be anymore finals in England ?? C'MON ,BE SERIOUS.

[Daniele Rossi]

I find it very funny, that England could fear the violence of italian supporters. This just because the world's most famous, crazy and dangerous supporters have always been the english. It's hypocrit to think only of the stabbers in Rome, when everyone should remember the mayhem of Hysel Stadium and more.
English hooligans have not changed at all, the only difference is that are now defended by police, as I personally witnessed in different occasion in London and I wasn't stabbed or hurt only by luck.
Your supporters arrive drunk at the stadium, they don't remember who they are and what they do, how can the world believe or have pity for the supposed violence they suffer?
Rome supporters are serious people, never drunk.

[Silvia]

I'm Italian and I agreeee!!! Ok, Rome is a beautiful and historical place but his fans are uncivilized and violent!! They don't deserve to have the final in their city!

[gianni]

I've been working in a hotel in Rome and what I can tell is that any time that we had a sport event (football or rugby) in rome with english supporters involved in, it was a mess. The problem was only and simply one: "alcohol". English Supporters drink all day long and even when they are over sixty they beave like teen ager. Once during the night a found an english man in the kitchen (over sixty) totally drunk, he was dressing like an ancient roman whith hotel bedsheet on and he was trying to steel bottle of beers... This is only an example of what they used to do..

[Claudio]

Frankly speaking the English fans are forced to be nice by the strong police security across the football stadium of the country.
But when they are abroad -some of them- act like wild animals.
I have seen in Rome english fans p*****g in the streets; I have seen in Germany during the world cup english fans going drunk through he bars and assaulting people; Leeds playing in Turkey was a continuous brawl. and do you remember Heisel stadium Liverpool -Juventus??

[Brian]

Whilst England fans are arguably some of the worst examples Darwinism there is little chance of being attacked at a game in the Premiership these days. One can't say that about Rome where only the other week an Arsenal fan was stabbed whilst on a coach.

It would be interesting to see UEFA's position should the premiership suffer voilence the same way Seria A does and also if 3 of the top 4 were relegatted due to corruption.

[james]

Although I can understand the defensive sentiment amongst many of the Italian/Roman posters here, bringing up Heysel constantly is a bit disappointing. Whilst undoubtedly a tragedy it was 20 years ago and hopefully we have all moved on from there. If you look at the last 5-10 years, English football whilst not perfect is light years ahead of Italy in terms of incidents (Catania-Palermo, Roma police's heavy handedness against Man U, Napoli fans trashing Roman public transport, flare hitting Dida in Milan Derby in CL QF 2004-5).

[DonSimon]

I am going to be in Rome for the final, but if two Premiership teams make it to the final I would rather it was moved, because I wouldn't want to be in a city full of English fans. The reason they get attacked is because they behave like fools.

[ALESSANDRO MASSEI]

Hello, I'm writing from Rome. Although it's definitely true that Italian stadiums are old and uncomfortble and that sometimes there's too much violence , I think that you, English supporters, should come and relish your trip to Italy because Rome is a wonderful city and the people here are fantastic. Remember that you can't judge an entire city or country from the misbehaviour of 50 or 60 of its citizens. They are criminals, but the rest of the population is made up of honest, lovely people who love football.

[Jim Clarke]

As an avid Arsenal fan, I am obviously hoping that we get to the final. If we do, I would love to try and get a ticket to be there. However if Rome remains the destination of the final, then I will have to watch it from the safety of my settee.

[Greg]

I agree, move the final to Sydney, Australia, even though its the Champions League final. Ill be there!

[John Mylchreest]

English football supporters in Europe have to live with the reputation a minority have created - alcohol fueled violence, racisms, deaths of other fans etc. Can we expect the Roman to be hospitable?

[Darren]

To the Italians referring to Heysel, English clubs were banned from Europe as a result of that and look at how the behaviour has changed. Hooliganism is more or less eradicated from our game, however the same cannot be said about Italian clubs. You mention how English fans behave abroad, what about the Italian fans stabbed in domestic games, how do they behave? How about the Real Madrid fans? How about the Arsenal fan who was stabbed on a COACH to the ground by Roma fans who forced themselves onto the coach?!? Was he drunk and p*****g out of a window too? I don't think so. UEFA have shown yet again that they have no balls by allowing the final to go ahead in Rome and that is why they are a laughing stock.

[Ross]

You've got to love the hypocrisy of the English, you really do...

[Tony]

As an irish person living in Toronto Canada who has watched the behaviour of Roma fans on tv over the years, I was shocked when they were given the final. Even more shocking when you consider the scandals and bribery in Serie A in recent years. And after the Arsenal fan was attacked it has to be taken away from them. Enough is Enough. This issue really highlights how UEFA are cowards when it comes down to it.

[Filippo]

I am half Italian on my father's side, brought up and living in England.

There are mindless hooligans following most football clubs in the world and luckily, they are increasingly in the minority.

However, in Italy this does not stop there being violence leading to serious injuries on a regular basis. Roma fans are probably the worst culprits, however I have been to matches in Milan, Livorno, Turin and Naples and witnessed idiotic behaviour.

It is true that alcohol has and still does fuel alot of the problems associated with English supporters abroad and in this country. This isn't true in Italy. However, with the Italian supporters they get into a large group of Ultras and behave like a pack of animals. The police are not much better.

The references to Heysel are ridiculous as English clubs were banned from European competition for many years as a result. Platini and UEFA would never consider banning Italian teams from Europe, even with all of the corruption and violence.

The final should be moved from Rome and they should be awarded it at the next available opportunity on the proviso that violence at games stops entirely between now and then.

[Mandy]

This campaign is a disgrace. Why are we hammering Rome and overlooking where the EUFA cup final is being held? Have any English fans been murdered in Rome like they have in Turkey? So why no campaign against Istanbul?

[Daniele Rossi]

I changed my mind....
I just hope and pray the God of Soccer that no english (english?) team will reach the final in Rome.
It will be a great solution and a major divine Justice.
And no-one will be stabbed. Stab yorself, in case. :+)

Daniele
Rome, Italy, Hell

[Valerio (Milan)]

It's really sad to read such a disparaging campaign from a cultured and tolerant people like English.

How can it be? How long will this "vote" remain on a webpage of a British newspaper???

I really hope (and I'm quite sure) that most of English people appreciate Italian people and Rome. It is guaranteed that people and families coming here to see the final match and enjoy the city are wellcome and they'll spend a fantastic time.

People coming here to drink, importuner and behave violent or like animals are not safe here, like nowhere in the world and they can remain where they live (in Italy, England, Germany and everywhere in world, because violence and ignorance have no nationality).

[fabio casati]

I think, and I'm italian, the finale must not play in rome. otherwise some will kill. Otherwise Uefa should remove rome from euro cup for a couple of year since every year something happened and not only outside the stadium also inside.
it's a shame.

[fabio casati]

for petch:
are you joking?
don't your remember the turkish?
and almost every sunday there is a stab in rome.

[Massimiliano Calabrese]

I consider this campaign against Rome and Romans simply UNBELIEVABLE, considering who is trying to manipulate the whole picture.
Now, let's be honest: we ARE violent, here in Rome. At least, some are. Some are dangerous, some are criminals, some are just scum.
Now, let's try to look at the whole thing: i believe you British citizens are BRILLIANT in sponsoring yourselves, or at least, minimizing on your "dark sides", by pointing your finger at someone else. Someone mentioned the Heysel tragedy: i believe it's the worst possible example, because it generated exactly the opposite of what we're trying to prove (which is "wrong behaviour of english fans,too"): true, it was a massacre, but socially speaking, it started the biggest effort ever to change things, and it happened, eventually supporters in England have been "caged" and "moderated", so i consider the Heysel tragedy the key of one of the greatest social efforts in england, proving you guys really KNOW how to deal with problems like that, and i admire what has been done. BUT, we can't just sit and talk about all the good things British people do and on the other hand throw s**t at others, don't you think? Neither we should minimize on your mistakes: what about the NEVERENDING, CONSTANT, MAJOR PROBLEM of ENGLISH FANS (not all of them, just the violent ones, of course) travelling abroad and starting fights or problems of ANY possible nature?? Useless to reply accusing italians by repeating or adding extra episodes, that would become and endless "verbal war" nobody (except kids or teenagers) want - i invite you guys to stop and think that MAYBE truth is somewhere in between: romans in rome did what we all know, and so did the english fans in the whole european continent (and still do, unfortunately). I find it amazing to realize how easy it is to "change" the truth or "distract" people just by pointing your finger somewhere else.
We both have dangerous fans. The difference is that English hooligans (still present, just in a state of quietness, when in england) release their sick instincts abroad, while italians generally do it here. But to consider italian "the violent ones" ignoring what you guys have done basically anywhere would be the most pathetic attempt to "hide the dust under the carpet". Self-criticism should be taught everywhere.
To consider this post a "defense" of italian fans would be a HUGE mistake, on the contrary i would be way more strict against them. i'm just inviting you guys to look at your own problems too, with an eye and the past and all the memories that brings (very recent memories too).
Greetings from Rome, hope we all can watch a great football game.

[Tony Turnip]

How about keep bullying Platini and get it moved?
To Manchester? After the delighful scenes at last years UEFA cup final in Britain involving a Brittish club, we all know how well ye can organize major finals?
Leave Roma alone and stop destroying a great club already on its knees.

[David Shousan]

I'm pretty sure something will happen in Rome that involves blood, seeing all Italians club defeated on the first knock-out round.

Especially when dealing with English club that dominate this competition. They are a bunch of Gladiators anyway..

[Tom Halpin]

Brass neck is an English expression which seems appropriate for this campaign. As does the pot calling the kettle black. I'll be in Rome if Chelsea make it.

[Gregory Chicken]

I watched The Arsenal in Rome this month. I didn't see any trouble, but that's hardly surprisng since I spent three hours before kick off on a very slow-moving bus with a police escort to the stadium, two hours after the final penalty being kept inside the stadium, and about another hour on another slow-moving bus before finally walking two very sober miles through deserted streets of closed bars and getting back to my hotel at three in the morning.

I suppose no amount of senseless violence is worth the average Ultra staying up that late for, and while I'm grateful for not having been stabbed (unlike a fellow supporter), the heaviest price for keeping nearly all of us safe was paid by Arsenal fans themselves who had no freedom of movement for about nine hours.

Rome is one of greatest cities in the world, and anyone making the trip should allow time for some sightseeing. But expect the hours immediately before the game to be an endurance test, and if your team don't win, the detention and police escort after the game will offer little in the way of cheer.

[Stefano Tinini from Magliana Boulevard]

Once again the British Media shows its hypocrisy. I cannot believe a newspaper like The Times is wasting its time deliberating on whether the CL final should or should not be in Rome.
Again a British newspaper emphasises the hooliganism problems abroad and ignoring the many incidents that are now happening again in British football.
Just to name a few episodes: Tottenham Chelsea where 15 fans were stabbed outside the ground. This number of stabbings is actually higher than that suffered by British fans in Rome but hardly any mention in any of the media in England. Should football be banned from London on the basis of this incident?? If there was a hint of coherence in the Times, this should be the case.
Lets also mention the shambolic organisation of the Uefa Cup final in Manchester last year which resulted in several arrests, poor policing, injuries and damage to shops etc etc. You will recall that the screens arranged by the local council in the major squares in Manchester all failed, the fans were left without watching their team play in the final. What would the Times have said if this had happened in Rome? I somehow feel its reporting would not have been as leinient as it was on the Manchester authorities, police and Rangers FC fans.
As you can see British football is not immune from problems such as hooliganism and bad organisation and you still manage to take the moral high ground and point the finger at other countries. I won't even dwell into the behaviour of english fans abroad, suffice to say that wherever they have been, be it Sevilla, Lion or Rome, there has been trouble. What is the common denominator here....oh let me guess, all foreign police is against english fans....
There is no doubt that there is a problem with the behaviour of some football fans in Rome, but in my opinion it is laughable that a leading British newspaper such as The Times is taking up such a campaign.
Hooliganism in Britain has been reduced (not removed) due to heavy repression rather than some angelic intervention from above.... It is not that British football fans are better behaved than their foreign counterparts(although the media like to portray this picture maybe to sell more subscriptions to the pay tvs etc etc).

[Andrea A.]

Why, I'm asking myself, when a brit club has a match in Milan there's nothing like Rome? I see everytime brit supporters in the Piazza Duomo singing and drinking (ok, too much but someone sell the beer...and the sellers are italians I suppose)...I've got some friends in Leeds and York and they told me that in Milan, (perhaps for the weather ;)???) they felt like they're in a friendly place...and the Internazionale FC and Milan AC supporters threw pennies against referees and so on.
Only one time Internazionale FC and they pay for that!!!!but it was against Milan, not every time that a europe team arrive in the capital of Italy, that's not an excuse for Inter, infact I'm a supporter of Milan AC....YOU'LL NEVER WALK ALONE!