Wearing your team’s colors to an opposing stadium can sometimes be a really bold move. Most of the time, wearing the opposing team kit is harmless, but on occasion it does lead to real trouble. Manchester United Football Club is strongly suggesting that the 1,400 fans headed to Feyenoord for the Thursday night UEFA Europa League tie will encounter some real problems, should they decide to sport their red at the opponents’ venue.
The main concerns relate to potential clashes between the two supporter bases, but these worries are being encapsulated under the bigger umbrella term of terrorism.
Yes, the stadium might or might not be a target for terrorist groups, but the primary concern Thursday night is fights between opposing fans, not an attack from terror groups. To drive this point home however, United brought up the fact that there is currently a “general high threat level from terrorism in Europe” and that away fans “should ensure that you are mindful of your own personal safety and security whilst travelling.”
The Manchester Evening News reported the letter, which reads as follows:
“For your own safety it is advisable to maintain a low profile and avoid areas of potential conflict and by dressing conservatively.
“Once the game has ended, and Manchester United supporters are all out of the stadium, a special 1,200 seat train service will be provided from the stadium rail station. The service will stop at both Rotterdam and Amsterdam train stations.
“Please ensure that you carry your passport at all times, as required by law in the Netherlands. There is currently a general high threat level from terrorism in Europe and you should ensure that you are mindful of your own personal safety and security whilst travelling.
“Finally, we hope that you enjoy your visit to the Netherlands and thank you for your support.”
Yes, Europe is always under a red alert when it comes to terror threats, given the horrific atrocities that occurred in Paris, Brussels and Nice during the past calendar year. However, again this is more about potential altercations between opposing fan bases, the ugliness of which had a negative impact on the world’s perception of the 2016 European Championships this summer.
M.E.N. reported some of the recent history of conflict between English and Dutch fans.
In 2012, Dutch police arrested 76 Ajax supporters before United’s Europa League clash in Amsterdam
A band of Anderlecht supporters from Belgium were also held while police seized tear gas and a pair of brass knuckles.
In the return tie, rival fans clashed in Binary Bar in Castlefield. Fireworks, tables and chairs were thrown while the bar’s main window was smashed.
Dutch police also made arrests in the Amsterdam red light district following clashes involving some City fans later in the same year.
Fans will sport their red United gear anyway, but remember, just be sensible. There is never any reason to get into a physical altercation over a football match. It’s a fun, leisure activity. No reason to risk going to jail and/or the hospital over it.
Paul M. Banks runs The Sports Bank.net, partnered with FOX Sports Engage Network. and News Now. Banks, a former writer for the Washington Times, currently contributes regularly to the Chicago Tribune’s RedEye publication and Bold Global.
He also consistently appears on numerous radio and television talk shows all across the country. Follow him on Twitter and Instagram and Sound Cloud.