United fans warned of dangers over match in Russia

UNITED fans planning the 4,000-mile trip to Rostov in Russia next month for the Europa League have been warned over crime and football hooliganism.

Home Office advice to holidaymakers reveals most visits to Russia are trouble-free, but warns that petty crime, muggings and thefts are rife.

The threat of terrorism, however, remains ‘high’, according to the Home Office.

The advice reads: “Although there is no indication that British nationals or interests have been specific targets, attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places frequented by foreigners.

“You should remain vigilant in all public places, including tourist sites and crowded areas, particularly where access is not controlled, eg open-air events and markets, and in major transport hubs.”

The Foreign and Commonwealth Office advises against all travel to within 10 kilometres of the border with the Ukrainian Donetsk and Lugansk Oblasts and all but essential travel to within 10km of the border with the Ukrainian Kharkiv Oblast.

No one is advised to travel to Chechnya, Ingushetia and Dagestan and the districts of Budyonnovsky, Levokumsky, Neftekumsky, Stepnovsky and Kursky in Stavropol Krai for any reason, the guidance adds.

Rostov itself, a port city on the banks of the River Don, sits on the Sea of Azov and isn’t an area covered by Foreign Office travel warnings. Football hooliganism however is prominent in Russian football, with ugly and violent scenes involving Russian ‘ultra’ thugs marring the European Championships last year.

The club’s stadium, Olimp-2, has a capacity of 15,840 and will host games at the 2018 World Cup.