Uefa has played down fears that Manchester United fans could be targeted by local gangs when they are in Odessa for the club’s final Europa League group fixture on Thursday night.
United wrote to the supporters who have bought tickets for the match against the Ukrainian side Zorya Luhansk, warning them of a threat exacerbated by “political sensitivity in the region”, but Uefa claims there is no concern.
A statement said: “We are confident that the host club together with the local authorities will take all necessary measures to ensure the safety and security of the players, the match officials and the supporters of the two teams.”
Fans of Fenerbahce and Feyenoord, the other sides in Group A, were attacked when they played their games in Odessa, in September and November, respectively. United are expected to take at least 900 supporters from an allocation of 1,200, with some potentially having withdrawn following the club’s letter which offered the option of returning tickets.
The letter, sent last month, said: “For your safety and security you are advised not to wear Manchester United colours when in the Ukraine or attract attention to your presence in the city. Due to political sensitivity in the region it is not just opposition football fans who may potentially pose a risk to your safety.
“The stadium is within a short walking distance from the city centre and is located within a wooded park where the lighting is very poor. For your own safety, shuttle buses will be in operation from 5.45pm [local time] departing from Cathedral Square and you are strongly advised to travel to the stadium on these police escorted buses. At the previous group stage games in the city there have been attacks on visiting fans with some in the park around the stadium, so we therefore advise you not to walk through this park to the stadium.
“Incidents of serious disorder during the European Championship in France last summer involving violent individuals and groups emanating from eastern Europe should be remembered when considering your movements and actions, and any potential risk.”
All Zorya’s Europa League home matches are being played at Odessa’s Chornomorets Stadium, 495 miles from their own ground in Luhansk, while they have played their league games in Zaporizhia, 275 miles away.
United need only a draw against Zorya to ensure qualification for the knockout stage and can still progress with a defeat, if Feyenoord fail to beat Fenerbahce in the group’s other game.