No matter how much English football and its fans tries to distance itself from the ‘hooligan’ stereotypes, the European press never let them forget about their past, with travelling fans during Champions League and Europa League clashes often labelled as such.
Of course, while the vast majority of games tend to go smoothly (look at Everton fans travelling to the Atalanta game), there are exceptions, but it rarely happens without provocation.
With this in mind, ahead of the Roma-Chelsea clash on Tuesday evening, Corriere dello Sport report the Italian police have collaborated with their English counterparts, with ‘200 hooligans under surveillance’, including 40 fans highlighted as potential ‘risks’.
However, of that 40, 39 aren’t expected to be in Italy, which is ‘a good sign’, but a further 100-150 are being looked at.
With close to 2000 fans expected to travel for the game for 1750 tickets, it’s understandable for the police to take some precaution, and, other than alcohol, they have another reason to be wary.
Chelsea and Lazio fans are said to be on very good terms, and the latter’s distaste for the Roma supporting contingent in the city could lead to an unwanted ‘alliance’.
With a shuttle taking fans from Piazzale delle Canestre to the stadium, that particular area will be under a lot of surveillance, and alcohol will not be allowed to be consumed around the stadium.
Furthermore, police checks are expected to take place in airports, train stations and traditional meeting points, such as locations near historical monuments.
Hopefully, though, it’ll all be for nothing, and things will go smoothly.
