3:32pm Monday 23rd April 2007
By Simon Greenhalgh
Fans without tickets are being advised to stay away from tomorrow nights Champions League semi final at Old Trafford.
Manchester United are chasing a historic second treble and more than 75,000 tickets for Tuesday's game against Italian giants AC Milan sold out quickly last week.
Match commander Chf Supt Janette McCormick has issued her plea after confirming there will be an increased police presence around the stadium following problems in the last two rounds of the competition.
She explained: "Regarding Manchester United's recent matches with Lille and Roma, investigations are currently in the hands of UEFA and we do not want those incidents to detract from this game.
"I hope the match will be an enjoyable event for everyone who attends and that a carnival atmosphere will be created by the genuine supporters, which will demonstrate all that is good about the game in the United Kingdom.
"Europe's eyes will be on Old Trafford once again and our objective is to ensure that the event is memorable for all the right reasons."
Sir Alex Ferguson described his team's 7-1 quarter final thrashing of Roma as the greatest European performance' at Old Trafford of his 20-year reign. But a major security review was undertaken after violence marred both legs of the tie.
Eleven Manchester United fans were treated in hospital - including an Old Trafford man, aged in his 50s, who was stabbed in the leg - following violent clashes before and after their teams match in Rome's Stadio Olimpico.
While GMP was praised for using proportionate force' after 21 people were arrested following scuffles between the teams' fans at Old Trafford the following week.
"GMP is used to policing high profile matches and this is no exception," said Chf Supt McCormick.
"The operation for this game will ensure the match is held with minimal disruption and that, most importantly, people can have a safe, enjoyable time here. We have liased closely with both clubs in the run up to this game.
"Both clubs are extremely responsible organisations, and I am confident that they know that we all carry a responsibility to ensure the game passes off peacefully."
The return leg takes place at Milan's San Siro stadium on May 2.
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