(Football fans + drinking) x Rome = violence

It’s barely lunchtime in the Italian capital, but trouble is already erupting on the streets. Goal.com are reporting that a British Manchester Utd fan is receiving treatment in hospital after being stabbed in the thigh.

In an unrelated incident, two drunken Utd fans have been arrested for disorderly behaviour in the Piazza Campo de Fiori area. A 19-year-old and a 45-year-old reportedly channeled their inner Russell Crowe, kicking and punching officers who tried to arrest them.

The Mayor of Rome was hoping to avoid such incidents by imposing a blanket ban on alcohol in the city from Tuesday until Thursday. The ban, however, has been universally ignored, as up to 50,000 visiting fans have been free to purchase booze in bars and supermarkets.

The Spoiler’s source in Rome confirms that people are freely drinking outside, despite official warnings. The source added that a sign at her hotel reads: “No Alcoholics served today”.

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Following a 2-0 victory, this Norwegian mascot found the perfect way to rub defeat into an opposing player’s face
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Sergio Ramos transcends the rules of society that suggest people should wear shirts
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Danielle Lloyd almost loses her leg after getting legless
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Boring Bulgarian striker to be name dropped on Coronation St
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The Newcastle exodus begins
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Captain Caveman-alike Carles Puyol puts pressure on Utd
[Daily Mail]

The Rome alcohol ban is going well
[Goal.com]

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Yet more unsubtle hints of a move to Madrid

Ahead of tonight’s much anticipated Champions League final in Rome, our Spanish friends at Marca are doing everything to imply this will be Cristiano Ronaldo’s last game for Manchester Utd.

On the front page, they quote the tricky winger as saying “We are playing in white, which I like very much.” If you like having things spelled out very plainly to you (i.e. you enjoyed Angels and Demons), this is also the colour Real Madrid play in.

Unfortunately, Barcelona are almost certainly as excited about Manchester Utd’s third choice kit - the last time they played a team in all white, they won 6-2 (once again, if you need a little help, that was also Real Madrid).

Most bookies, including our friends at BetUS Soccer Betting, are also suggesting the Catalonians will trump the men in white, but C-Ron is generally the favourite for first goalscorer.