Foreign office advises United fans

THE Foreign Office is calling on Manchester United supporters to be vigilant when they visit Rome for the Champions League final against Barcelona on May 27.

As many as 30,000 British fans are expected in the Italian capital with 20,000 tickets already allocated to the club.

But officials estimate up to 10,000 more will travel without tickets — and are concerned the sheer number of fans heading to Rome could lead to safety issues.

The Foreign Office also predicts the excitement generated by what critics are calling "the dream final" will lead to more last–minute decisions to attend, increasing the likelihood that British fans will experience difficulties.

Officials are urging fans not to take the metro to the Piazzale Flaminio or to use the Ponte Duca D'Aosta bridge as they say there has been trouble along this route to the stadium on many occasions.