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Arsenal warns of potential trouble at UEFA Cup final |
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May
11, 2000 LONDON, MAY 10 (AP) - Arsenal has warned that a "small minority" of fans may travel to Copenhagen to cause trouble at next week's UEFA Cup final in Copenhagen against Turkish club Galatasaray.
Tensions are high following the stabbing death of two English fans in Istanbul last month before Galatasaray's semifinal first leg against Leeds.
While Leeds has been eliminated from the competition, there are fears that Leeds supporters might travel to Copenhagen intent on carrying out revenge attacks on Turkish fans.
"Information has already been supplied to Islington Police regarding a small minority of people who may travel to Copenhagen to cause trouble," Arsenal said in a statement Wednesday. "Although the British police have no powers abroad, representatives from Islington Police will work pro-actively with the local force in Copenhagen to eliminate any unsavory incidents from taking place."
Police Superintendent Andy Smith said officers would supply information about potential troublemakers to Danish authorities.
"We hope that the UEFA Cup final is a celebration of football and that all supporters will enjoy themselves in a safe environment," he said. "We will be represented in Copenhagen to advise on public order situations and, where necessary, arbitrate between the supporters and our Danish colleagues."
Arsenal, which said its own fans have an "excellent reputation abroad," urged any supporters without tickets not to travel to the game.
"Our supporters have a reputation for creating a friendly, party atmosphere when travelling abroad to support the team and we are certain that this will be no different in Copenhagen," club secretary David Miles said. "However, we are aware of safety concerns surrounding this fixture and will be working closely with the authorities to minimize any possible problems."
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