BOBBIES ON ROMAN BEAT

British police could get Champions League final duty

By NICK PISA, 25/04/2009

BRITISH bobbies could be patrolling the streets of Rome on the day of the Champions League final.

With Manchester United playing Arsenal in one semi-final, at least one English team is guaranteed to be at the showpiece on May 27.

If Chelsea beat Barcelona it will be an all-English affair for the second year in succession as Manchester United won in Moscow last time. An Italian Ministry of Interior spokesman said: "The idea of having uniformed British police officers on patrol in Rome is being given serious consideration.

Uniformed

"It would be the first time that a uniformed overseas police force would be on patrol in the city although in the past undercover officers from Scotland Yard have worked with us.

"They would not have powers of arrest but simply be a reassuring presence for British fans as they would recognise them instantly from their uniform and helmet."

Roma's notorious Ultras fans are known for their knife attacks - last month a minibus carrying Arsenal fans to the quarter-final at the Olympic Stadium was ambushed.

Stabbed

And two weeks ago a British man attending the Roma v Lazio derby was also stabbed.

A spokesman for the British embassy on Rome explained: "We are working closely with the Italians and have already held preliminary meetings.

"If two English teams get through, we'll work even closer."

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