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Chelsea and United fans gear up for Moscow final

21/05/2008

Up to 50,000 supporters of Chelsea and Manchester United are in Moscow ahead of the Champions League final.

The match is due to kick off in the Russian capital's Luzhniki Stadium at 22:45 local time (19:45 BST).

More than 6,000 police are expected to be deployed around the stadium, while Greater Manchester police (GMP) and Scotland Yard have both sent specialist officers to help their Russian colleagues.

A spokesman at the Metropolitan police said "a number of" officers with specialist knowledge of problem Chelsea fans would be in Moscow to act as spotters.

GMP refused to confirm the number of officers it would be sending but explained they would be liaising with Moscow police to help them in their policing operation.

Chief Superintendent Janette McCormick said: "It is a fantastic achievement for Manchester United to have reached the Champions League Final and the club's fans will be representing not just the city of Manchester but the whole of the UK in Moscow."

Drinking in and around the ground is banned under Uefa regulations, with no major incidents reported as English fans packed into bars and hotels over the last few days.

Tonight will mark the first time two English teams have contested the Champions League final, with United bidding for their third victory in the competition.

A spokesman for Ladbrokes told inthenews.co.uk English punters were likely to gamble up to £25 million over the match.

New mayor of London Boris Johnson has sent his best wishes to Chelsea, who are looking to become the first London team to win the Champions League.

"It is fantastic to have a London side competing at the very apex of European football - congratulations on getting this far.

"Like so many Londoners I'll be willing you on to win to bring a trophy home to the capital. As the Muscovites might say - 'udachi vsem' - the very best of luck to you all."