GREATER Manchester Police and City Council officials insist Rangers supporters will be afforded a warm welcome for next week's Uefa Cup final, despite voicing concerns previously.
The match commander for the game, chief superintendent Gerry Donnellan, had claimed that a strong police presence would stop any ticketless visitors getting close to the City of Manchester Stadium or even going into city-centre pubs ahead of the game
against Russian club, Zenit St Petersburg.
Donnellan and Manchester City Council assistant chief executive Vicky Rosin will be at Ibrox tomorrow to meet key supporters in the build-up to the game.
However, the Police now insist Rangers fans will be made welcome in the city after earlier highlighting separate 'zones' for Rangers and Zenit supporters.
Donnellan said: "I have already had several meetings with representatives from Rangers and my colleagues in Strathclyde Police, but I wanted to meet with some of those supporters who will be making the trip down to Manchester for the final.
"We are really looking forward to giving a warm Manchester welcome to all the fans making the journey down. Manchester is one of the biggest footballing cities in the world and we are proud that one of the biggest clubs in the world will be coming to our city for the final. I want to explain to the supporters exactly what is happening in terms of the policing operation, what they can expect from my officers and what we expect from them.
"It will also give them the opportunity to raise any concerns they may have and for me to stress to them that the whole point of the policing operation is to make the day as enjoyable as possible for everyone involved."
The city council has also backed down on safety concerns, with councillor Pat Karney, saying: "Manchester is looking forward to welcoming fans from Rangers and from Zenit for a day to remember on 14 May. Our city is well used to friendly invasions of many thousands of visitors for major events like the Uefa Cup final.
In the light of Rangers qualifying for the final and the massive reported demand from fans for bigger and better provision, we're working with our partners on reviewing those plans.
"Pubs and clubs across the city will also provide opportunities for many thousands of fans to enjoy the match and soak of the atmosphere of the big day.
"I'm confident that Manchester will give a very warm welcome to fans from Rangers and from Zenit and that all fans will have a fabulous day."
Rangers have also updated their plans for their 'beamback' of the final on a 100 sq metre mobile screen at Ibrox. Entry will be free to all supporters on a first-come, first-served basis.
Fans can also buy an official match programme inside Ibrox.
The full article contains 478 words and appears in The Scotsman newspaper.
