[GocartMozart]

I read this today on Football365.com and thought it was pretty interesting. Good to hear.

Our Russian Correspondent Writes
I have just returned from Moscow and what turned out to be a fantastic and successful trip.

On the game: Yes United won and it was fantastic. The drama and tension were unbearable and nothing as long as I live will ever make me forget that wonderful feeing when Edwin VDS saved from Anelka. Chelsea were desperately unlucky at times and didn't deserve to lose in the way they did - but someone has to. Before the game it was too close to call and up until the very last kick, it was still too close to call. Both teams deserve credit for their battling qualities and whoever would have won would be considered worthy champions.

I want to pay respect to the fans though.

Throughout my time in Moscow, United and Chelsea fans mingled without the merest hint of trouble. Sure there was banter and singing (much to the bemusement of the Muscovites on the Metro) but I didn't see one incident of trouble.

Everyone said there was going to be mayhem in Moscow - Alan Green (scouse tw@t) was beside himself after United semi-final in suggesting that Moscow would be a nightmare which would undoubtedly result in English clubs being banned from competing in Europe - wrong again Mr Green!

Chelsea and United fans were a credit to their clubs and proved that you can support your club with passion and fervour without the need for violence and confrontation.

The Russian organisation was brilliant. The police were very visible but also visibly friendly and their approach was very much hands-off - the Russians can be congratulated for putting on a great show and probably surprising many people in the process.

All in all a brilliant trip, worth the money and the endless queues!
Chris Wilkinson

[mark08]

well its good to see that fans were well behaved and a shame that the city council didnt think so before they cancelled utd parade!

also good because otherwise all those would have come out and said how eng fans are terrible etc so good on ya all teh fans for being brilliant out there!

[RobsonLegend]

Especially considering what happened in London after the final whistle, that's encouraging to hear.

As strict as the Russians were with the visiting fans, it's not as if they had any time or space to think about causing trouble anyway. Plus, from most of what I've heard still goes on in Russia, I would really think long and hard about causing trouble even if I was a hooligan.

[mark08]

well i definately wouldnt want to feel the wrath of russian police!

theres bound to be no nonsense policing and so ur in for a beating!
but if those officials can contain all the fans in a good manner it shuld e able to get done everywhere you would have thought given the allowence on police

[funkdoctorspock]

Both sets of supporters need to be commended for their behaviour in Moscow.

For all the bad behaviour that prior english supporters have displayed in CL finals, it was refreshing to see this 180.

The russian police should also be appluaded. With the large amount assembled, they were not overbearing and made sure that the fans had an atmosphere to have fun, but be safe.

Shoot, they were even partying with United fans.

[dada]

Yea, that was an awesome shot seeing them put on the Utd kit. I thought it was a great atmosphere and I'm not surprised at all that there wasnt any trouble. After such an amazing match with little controversy what could there possibly be to fuss about?

[GocartMozart]

Originally Posted by RobsonLegend

Especially considering what happened in London after the final whistle, that's encouraging to hear.

As strict as the Russians were with the visiting fans, it's not as if they had any time or space to think about causing trouble anyway. Plus, from most of what I've heard still goes on in Russia, I would really think long and hard about causing trouble even if I was a hooligan.

Hooligans are incapable of thinking long and hard. The game has really come a long way in the last 20 years as far as hooliganism and Italy really can learn a thing or two from the efforts of the police in England and from events like this. If the English can travel together for 5000 miles and not cause trouble then I don't understand why Italian fans can't do the same. It's a real testament that hooliganism can be controlled and dealt with.

[RobsonLegend]

Originally Posted by GocartMozart

Hooligans are incapable of thinking long and hard. The game has really come a long way in the last 20 years as far as hooliganism and Italy really can learn a thing or two from the efforts of the police in England and from events like this. If the English can travel together for 5000 miles and not cause trouble then I don't understand why Italian fans can't do the same. It's a real testament that hooliganism can be controlled and dealt with.

This is true. Of course there are those isolated moments when a few idiots ruin it for all, and the name of football fans gets sullied, but things have certainly come a long way from the night I was freaking out watching everything unfold on tv, choking back tears, and turning to my dad and asking him "Why is this happening?" on that sickening night in Brussels.

[crored68]

I know England had a lot of problems with Hooligans in the past and many awful things happened before it was fixed.
Now when I need to give an example of great fans I always talk about English fans.

Some people say the atmosphere is better in Italy or maybe Turkey etc. but for me it's great to see the fans so close to the pitch, to hear the songs.
You won't see a grandfather with his grandchild on a game in Italy and most other countrys, you will in England.

I saw a TV report about the fans in Moscow (everyone expected at least some problems) and the Croatia TV team stumbled on 2 groups of fans together, Chelsea an United fans drinking beer a few hours before the match. each group singing their songs, competing to be louder, laughing, great to see.

All of them just made the game a bigger spectacle.