UNITED FANS WARMLY WELCOMED IN RUSSIA
A feeling of warmth between opposing supporters marked Thursday night's Europa League first-leg match between FC Rostov and Manchester United in Russia.
United fans who travelled the long distance for the Round of 16 first-leg encounter were grateful for a notable show of respect from the home fans, after being greeted with inscribed blankets at the entrance to the visitors' section at the Olimp-2 stadium, as part of an initiative called "Gentlefan".
Rostov-On-Don will return to the spotlight next year as a host city for matches at the FIFA World Cup. A statement by the FC Rostov fan group read: "Everyone knows the weather is unpredictable in March, and we as good hosts have to take care of our guests. Come and feel our warmth. We are anticipating a historic event next year, and want to be an example with this action.”
For United supporter Matt Putland (@MattP260599), who made the long journey across Europe via Instanbul and Krasnodar using a combination of planes, trains and cars, it was an unforgettable trip.
He told ManUtd.com: “As soon as the draw was made there were mixed feelings about a trip like Rostov – concerns about getting there, concern from a footballing perspective and knowing they are difficult opponents and, after various stories in the media, concerns about safety. There is, of course, also a sense of excitement at heading somewhere new to see the Reds play.
"The journey was fairly lengthy, but from the minute we headed out of Rostov railway station everybody we spoke to could hardly contain their excitement at having the famous 'Manchester' in their city. They often leave out the word 'United', maybe because they only know of one team from our area.
"Everywhere we went, from bars to restaurants, we'd be greeted by people saying "welcome". Then, as we arrived at the stadium, we were met by a welcoming committee who handed us blankets to help with the cold. They told us how happy they were to welcome us to Rostov-On-Don.
"Inside the stadium itself, at half-time, the Rostov fans came towards the gates that separated the two sets of supporters. Rather than the anticipated hostile reception, they treated us like rock stars, imploring us to head their way for photos and to shake hands. It is something I've never seen anywhere in the world. All in all, it was one of the most enjoyable experiences I've ever had on a European away trip. Now for the long journey home!”
Another travelling fan, Jeremy Levy (@RedJML) told us: "I certainly didn't see any trouble and as the Rostov fans were leaving the ground and the United fans were being held in, there was a mutual applause to each other which was a nice touch. However, the best post-match moment happened when Jose Mourinho came out of the tunnel, about 20 minutes after the final whistle, to applaud the travelling support."
The Reds will hope to provide a similarly warm welcome when FC Rostov travel to Manchester for the second leg at Old Trafford on Thursday 16 March.
Photo credit: George Suhoruckov.
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