 Rangers will play FC Zenit of St Petersburg on Wednesday |
A leading councillor in Manchester has apologised to Rangers fans for delays in providing areas for ticketless fans to watch the Uefa cup final. Up to 100,000 Rangers fans are expected in the city on Wednesday for the match against FC Zenit St Petersburg. Pat Karney, the council's city centre spokesman, said everyone was welcome to watch the "historic" game in the city. He said it would be a "tight squeeze" to fit everyone into the three fans' areas but he was sure it was possible. 'Historic occasion' There had been suggestions that fans without tickets should stay away. Mr Karney said: "The reality in modern football - and Manchester is a great footballing city and Mancunians go abroad without tickets - is that the football authorities always say don't come without a ticket. "Obviously this is a fantastic historic occasion and people are very welcome." Mr Karney said delays with the big screens for ticketless fans had been down to safety and security concerns. He said three fan zones with big screens and entertainment would be set up in Albert Square, the open area in front of Manchester's town hall, Piccadilly Gardens and Cathedral Gardens - all in the city centre. The Albert Square site can hold 12,000 fans. Mr Karney apologised to Rangers fans for giving the impression they were not welcome in the city without a ticket and for the delays putting arrangements in place. He said: "We had a number of problems in the World Cup about screens, crowds and alcohol, like every other city had, and so we had to go through all that in meticulous detail. "Our main priority is make sure all the fans, particularly the Rangers fans who are coming in great multitudes, have a fantastic time but everyone goes home safely." Next generation The club plays FC Zenit St Petersburg at the City of Manchester stadium on Wednesday. First Minister Alex Salmond has said he would be at the game. He said: "As first minister, I will be cheering on Rangers from the stands in Manchester. "If Rangers can triumph on Wednesday evening it will be a fantastic boost for the club, for Scottish football and an inspiration to the next generation of Scottish football stars." British Transport Police reminded fans that alcohol would not be allowed, or sold, on train services between Glasgow Central or Edinburgh Waverley and Preston or Manchester on match day. The same arrangement will be in place on Tuesday and Thursday, a spokesman said. Are you planning to travel to Manchester for the game? Send us your stories - along with any pictures or video from the pre-match build-up.
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The following represents a selection of your pre-match thoughts: I have just loaded up my vw transporter with mattress and pillows Scotland flags and rangers tops attached to the windows ,meeting my mate macy from jersey on tuesday in Manchester where we have a hotel for tues but nothing for wednesday ,hence the matress .if we win we will dance on the roof of the van all night follow follow Jimmy the Jock
Jimmy Johnston, rhoose nr cardiff wales lex Salmond is an Aberdeen fan as well. I bet he's just going to promote "A better Scotland" or something like that.
Philip Craig, Dundee, Scotland I leave afghanistan on tuesday morning getting into manchester on wednesday afetrnoon. Perfect timing for some leave for me
Joe, Glasgow Im Leaving on Tuesday night and driving to Manchester!! Cant wait. Hopefully it will be an amazing day!!
Scot MacFarlane, Bournemouth As a big Celtic fan i will be makin my way from belfast to cheer on Zenit and hopefully it goes 2 xtra time to give us a chance 4 the league.
joe, belfast Im on a football coaching course in Oxfordshire and will be making the 300 mile round trip to get to Manchester.
Kenny Martin, Stirling, Scotland Our family are based in Blackpool for three days and going down to Manchester for the big game. As TRUE BLUES,we would like to thank Walter, Ally, Kenny, staff and all the players at the Glasgow Rangers FC for giving us this fantastic opportunity to see something we thought was beyond our wildest dreams. Keep believing Boys. Thanks Sir David.
Alexander Allan, carluke, lanark I can't believe Salmond gets a ticket and I don't! How many times has he been to Ibrox this season?
James, Glasgow I leave brechin at 3am on wed and get to manchester hopefully around midday. The rest is history. I was brought up during the 9 in a row era so this to me is the biggest game ever. regardless if we win or loose, the boys have done us proud and deserve every recognition!
Chris Robb, Brechin Looking forward to a party in Manchester win or lose we will follow with PRIDE. The Pollock family Mum, Dad, Beth & Ali Come on the Bears
The Pollock family, Redruth Cornwall England As a loyal Rangers fan, and without a ticket, I'll be making my way to one of the fan zones on Wednesday afternoon to take in the atmosphere. I can't wait! Manchester City Council should be congratulated on their refreshing attitude to welcoming all the Rangers and Zenit fans. Hopefully their faith in us will be repaid with no trouble before, during and after the game.
Rob Forrest, Preston, Lancs Was too wee for our last Euro final, but think I'm big enough now! Win or lose, everyone is gonna make 'Madchester' a night to remember!
Marty, Kirkcaldy, Fife GOOD LUCK
scotsman, rio de janerio brasil Everyone is going. I play for a local club and 9 out of the 11 first team were going to Manchester. The blue sea of Ibrox will flood Manchester on Wednesday. We are the People.
William McCahon, Banbridge, Northern Ireland
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Our main priority is make sure all the fans, particularly the Rangers fans who are coming in great multitudes, have a fantastic time but everyone goes home safely
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