John Terry Wants Everyone Home Safe

An estimated 3,600 supporters are thought to be travelling to Rome tonight for Chelsea’s Champions League tie with AS Roma, which probably means it’ll be nearer 4,000.

As we all know, it’s not the safest place in the world to go and watch a game, with the ‘ultras’ being total headcases, to put it mildly. In March 2006, three Middlesbrough supporters were stabbed before their Eufa cup game in the Italian Capital.

This was followed up with eighteen Manchester United supporters hospitalised – five of whom had been stabbed – in April 2007, reports suggested there’d been trouble inside the Stadio Olimpico, and with the police only too happy to swing their batons around indiscriminately over there, casualties are regarded as simply an occupational hazard.

Their Champions League meeting last December proved no better either, with a further five United supporters stabbed ahead of their tie in Rome. So, it’s fair to say Chelsea’s travelling contingent will have to watch their backs.

Madly enough, the Champions League final is being held in Rome this season although Uefa president Michel Platini has threatened to change the venue if Roma’s fans bring any more shame on the capital than they have already.

In the interests of security, Chelsea supporters have been advised that sales of alcohol will be restricted in the city and they’ll be searched on entering the stadium – presumably to check for wounds on the way in considering it’s Roma supporters who seem to be admitted to their ground complete with butcher’s blocks? The away support have also been told to expect to be held inside the Stadio Olimpico for an hour after the game.

Meanwhile, the Chelsea captain has urged the supporters to be careful, stating “I want everyone travelling to be careful and sensible. Enjoy the city and the game. Let’s all get home safe and with a good result.”