Gers fans clash with police

Angry scenes after Uefa Cup defeat

Last updated: 14th May 2008

Rangers fans Uefa Cup final Riots

Rangers fans clash with police after the Uefa Cup final defeat

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Rangers fans clashed with riot police in Manchester as their team suffered a 2-0 defeat in the Uefa Cup final.

The angry scenes came after thousands of fans were left outraged when a screen meant to be showing the game in the Piccadilly Garden fan zone failed to work.

Fans lined the streets and the mood became tense when disgruntled supporters - who had waited all day to see the tie with Zenit St Petersburg - were unable to watch the game.

Riot police deployed around the area faced hostile Rangers fans lobbing bottles and cans.

After backing off for a while, police charged the fans, pushing them back.

After one clash, a fan lay on the floor and appeared to be injured.

Other fans taunted officers by filming them with their mobile phones, while police fended them off, hitting them with their shields and batons.

There were also reports a Russian fan was stabbed outside the City of Manchester stadium.

Greater Manchester Police said the fan suffered non-life threatening injuries in the attack outside the stadium.

Six men, believed to be Rangers fans, have been arrested for a serious assault, according to police.

Atmosphere

The unpleasant scenes marred the good-natured party atmosphere which had characterised the lengthy build-up to the match.

More than 100,000 fans were estimated to have gathered in the city centre, turning it into a sea of red, white and blue.

They were joined by around 9,000 Zenit fans, who were given an equal share of tickets for the 44,000 capacity City of Manchester Stadium.

But in the end, thousands of Rangers fans streamed out of the stadium, heartbroken after their European dream was left in tatters.

Downhearted supporters said they were "devastated" and seemed disappointed with their team's performance.

Paul Johnson from the Knightswood area of Glasgow, said: "I'm absolutely gutted. We were so close to a historic victory for our club but we just couldn't perform on the night.

"It was just a dream for us and we didn't quite make it."

Ian Anderson from Fife, said: "I'm absolutely devastated. We should have had a penalty, but to be honest they had more of the ball. They created more chances."