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Manchester United warn fans not to wear club colours or leave police-patrolled streets over hooligan attack fears

Manchester United fans have been warned not to attract attention to themselves

MANCHESTER UNITED have warned travelling fans not to wear club colours due to hooliganism fears.

Jose Mourinho's side face FC Rostov in the Europa League on Thursday night and the club wrote to fans in advance.

 Manchester United fans have been warned not to attract attention to themselves
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Manchester United fans have been warned not to attract attention to themselvesCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd

Old Trafford chiefs fear there could be a repeat of the pitched battles in Marseille when well-drilled armed Russian thugs attacked England fans.


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The club's advice to the around 400 fans expected to make the trip included not attracting attention to themselves and stay on two streets patrolled by police.

Guarded shuttle busses will be provided to take supporters to the stadium.

United fans were also encouraged to travel in groups.

The letter added: "It is not just opposition football fans who may potentially pose a risk to your safety.

"Incidents of serious disorder during the European Championship in France last summer, including violent individuals and groups emanating from Eastern Europe should be remembered when considering your movements and actions."

 Rostov fans decked out in club colours explain the fearsome Russian style of hooligan fighting
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Rostov fans decked out in club colours explain the fearsome Russian style of hooligan fighting
 Manchester United saw off St Etienne in the Europa League last 32
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Manchester United saw off St Etienne in the Europa League last 32Credit: AP:Associated Press

The decision to award the 2018 World Cup to Russia - which has a notorious hooligan problem - has drawn criticism.

A BBC documentary showed thugs training for the tournament and sending warnings to England fans.

 Russian 'ultras' caused mayhem on the streets of Marseille at Euro 2016
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Russian 'ultras' caused mayhem on the streets of Marseille at Euro 2016Credit: Evening Standard / eyevine

And last weekend, a Russian Premier League match between CSKA Moscow and Zenit St Petersburg saw violent clashes erupt in the stands.

The Europa League could be United's best path to Champions League football after the 1-1 draw with 10-man Bournemouth.

 

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