City's 'warm welcome' for Rangers

Manchester authorities said fans would be welcome Warning over Uefa web ticket con

Manchester police have assured Rangers supporters they will get a warm welcome in the city for next week's Uefa Cup Final against FC Zenit St Petersburg.

There had been suggestions that fans without tickets should stay away.

Greater Manchester Police said they were preparing for up to 100,000 football fans to descend on the city.

Several fan zones with giant screens are to be set up and it is estimated that the city economy will receive a £5m boost.

The Manchester authorities have spent the day in Glasgow discussing how to deal with the issues surrounding the game.

We are anticipating a very large but a very friendly crowd to Manchester Ch Supt Gerry Donnellan Greater Manchester Police

Ch Supt Gerry Donnellan, the match commander, met representatives from Rangers and Strathclyde Police.

He said: "We are anticipating a very large but a very friendly crowd to Manchester. The policing operation will be appropriate to that.

"We want people to enjoy coming to Manchester and also enjoy the experience of watching a world class football match."

Manchester City Council has said it would set up three fan zones with big screens and entertainment.

Officials also conceded that trying to stop fans drinking would be like telling them to "stop breathing".

A by-law in Manchester bans drinking in some public areas - but supporters are unlikely to face police action if they drink in the designated areas.

The authorities did not go as far as saying the by-law would be suspended for the match, but suggested fans would be allowed to drink in the areas set aside for them.

City-wide venues

The council's assistant chief executive, Vicky Rosin, said they were expecting "unprecedented numbers" of Rangers fans.

She added: "Those particular areas are designated for fans but then there are pubs and clubs right across the city that will be open and welcoming fans and many of them will have screens within them to watch the game."

Rangers fans have been queueing throughout the day at Ibrox Stadium to collect their tickets for the match.

The club plays FC Zenit of St Petersburg at the City of Manchester stadium on Wednesday.