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City invaded by Rangers' support Rangers fans invade city centre
(30 minutes later)
Manchester city centre is awash with a sea of blue as tens of thousands of Rangers fans gather ahead of the Uefa Cup final.Manchester city centre is awash with a sea of blue as tens of thousands of Rangers fans gather ahead of the Uefa Cup final.
They are mingling with a smaller number of supporters of Russia's Zenit St Petersburg to await the match.They are mingling with a smaller number of supporters of Russia's Zenit St Petersburg to await the match.
Up to 100,000 fans from both sides are expected in the city and they are expected to give a £20m boost to the local economy.Up to 100,000 fans from both sides are expected in the city and they are expected to give a £20m boost to the local economy.
The City of Manchester stadium is to host about 47,000 fans for the final.The City of Manchester stadium is to host about 47,000 fans for the final.
Just 13,000 Rangers fans were allocated official tickets, so thousands more will watch the match on big screens in the city's pubs and bars.Just 13,000 Rangers fans were allocated official tickets, so thousands more will watch the match on big screens in the city's pubs and bars.
Commuters arriving on Wednesday morning were greeted by the sight of thousands of blue-shirted fans in Piccadilly Gardens - determined to savour the team's first appearance in a European final for 36 years.Commuters arriving on Wednesday morning were greeted by the sight of thousands of blue-shirted fans in Piccadilly Gardens - determined to savour the team's first appearance in a European final for 36 years.
I think we might find a few more than 100,000 coming down Jim Templeton, Rangers Assembly Fans enjoy the atmosphereI think we might find a few more than 100,000 coming down Jim Templeton, Rangers Assembly Fans enjoy the atmosphere
The singing and drinking started early, with supporters staking their claims for places in front of the screens in Fan Zones at Albert Square, Piccadilly Gardens and Cathedral Gardens.The singing and drinking started early, with supporters staking their claims for places in front of the screens in Fan Zones at Albert Square, Piccadilly Gardens and Cathedral Gardens.
The zones also boast beer tents, toilets and programme sellers.The zones also boast beer tents, toilets and programme sellers.
Jim Templeton, 56, from Ayrshire, the president of the Rangers Assembly, said: "The atmosphere among Rangers supporters is absolutely phenomenal.Jim Templeton, 56, from Ayrshire, the president of the Rangers Assembly, said: "The atmosphere among Rangers supporters is absolutely phenomenal.
"We have heard about the possibility of 100,000 coming down - I think we might find a few more than 100,000 coming down."We have heard about the possibility of 100,000 coming down - I think we might find a few more than 100,000 coming down.
"I was fortunate enough to be there in 1972, there's others who have never witnessed Rangers in a European final, it's a shame they can't all be accommodated.""I was fortunate enough to be there in 1972, there's others who have never witnessed Rangers in a European final, it's a shame they can't all be accommodated."
Although the majority travelled down from Glasgow, some fans arrived in Manchester from all over the world.Although the majority travelled down from Glasgow, some fans arrived in Manchester from all over the world.
Rangers fans start the party in central Manchester ahead of the Uefa Cup finalIn picturesRangers fans start the party in central Manchester ahead of the Uefa Cup finalIn pictures
Gary Brisbane, 32, and Ray Newall, both originally from Scotland, made a 24,000-mile round trip from Melbourne, Australia.Gary Brisbane, 32, and Ray Newall, both originally from Scotland, made a 24,000-mile round trip from Melbourne, Australia.
Mr Brisbane said: "Well, it's a long way to come, but it's 36 years since the last time. Mr Brisbane said: "Well, it's a long way to come, but it's 36 years since the last time."
Mr Newall added: "At the end of the day it's only money - 36 years is a long time. We just hope at the end of the game the right result comes our way" Mr Newall added: "At the end of the day it's only money - 36 years is a long time. We just hope at the end of the game the right result comes our way."
Greater Manchester Police, who have a huge presence in the city centre, warned roads into the city were extremely busy.Greater Manchester Police, who have a huge presence in the city centre, warned roads into the city were extremely busy.
The force said three fans had been arrested so far - two for public order offences and one for possessing a false ticket.The force said three fans had been arrested so far - two for public order offences and one for possessing a false ticket.
Police in Glasgow and Manchester have previously issued warnings over counterfeit tickets which could be in circulation.Police in Glasgow and Manchester have previously issued warnings over counterfeit tickets which could be in circulation.
Disruption 'worthwhile'Disruption 'worthwhile'
Although beer is being sold in fan zones, long queues have formed at city centre supermarkets and alcohol is said to be flying off the shelves.Although beer is being sold in fan zones, long queues have formed at city centre supermarkets and alcohol is said to be flying off the shelves.
With the warm weather, police and council officials have urged people to consume plenty of water and "drink sensibly".With the warm weather, police and council officials have urged people to consume plenty of water and "drink sensibly".
Councillor Pat Karney, city centre spokesman, said the city "had never seen anything like it".Councillor Pat Karney, city centre spokesman, said the city "had never seen anything like it".
"It's worth £20m to Manchester's economy all this. Millions and millions of people are going to be watching the match, so it's worth it.""It's worth £20m to Manchester's economy all this. Millions and millions of people are going to be watching the match, so it's worth it."
Every hotel room in the city and for up to 20 miles beyond - about 45,000 in total - is booked up.Every hotel room in the city and for up to 20 miles beyond - about 45,000 in total - is booked up.
Many fans are expected to camp, sleep rough or spend the night in their cars.Many fans are expected to camp, sleep rough or spend the night in their cars.
About 3,000 Rangers fans are camping at Burnage Rugby Club, which is about four miles outside the city centre.About 3,000 Rangers fans are camping at Burnage Rugby Club, which is about four miles outside the city centre.
Fans remaining in Glasgow will be able to watch the match on big screens at Ibrox Stadium.Fans remaining in Glasgow will be able to watch the match on big screens at Ibrox Stadium.
Strathclyde Partnership for Transport is running free buses from Buchanan Bus Station to Edmiston Drive between 1730 and 1930 BST - with entry to the stadium and seats on the buses available on a first-come-first-served basis.Strathclyde Partnership for Transport is running free buses from Buchanan Bus Station to Edmiston Drive between 1730 and 1930 BST - with entry to the stadium and seats on the buses available on a first-come-first-served basis.


Are you going to be at the match? What is the atmosphere like? Did you have problems finding somewhere to stay? Where will you be watching the game? Send us your comments on the form below or text your pictures to 61124.Are you going to be at the match? What is the atmosphere like? Did you have problems finding somewhere to stay? Where will you be watching the game? Send us your comments on the form below or text your pictures to 61124.
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