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Barwick in plea to help fans ahead of Moscow showdown
Ken Dyer2 May 2008
Brian Barwick has offered to do all he can to make the Champions League Final between Manchester United and Chelsea run smoothly.
The Football Association chief executive has already been in touch with both clubs and hopes that the fans travelling to Moscow later this month would be "looked after".
"The Champions League Final is a huge compliment to the English game and a legitimate 39th game," said Barwick, in a reference to the Premier League's ill-fated plan for an extra match abroad.
He added: "We hope it is a fantastic and a safe occasion and we will help in any way we can. I spoke to Manchester United secretary Ken Ramsden and Chelsea's David Barnard and told them that we will help in any way we can.
"We have to accept the fact that we are sending a lot of English citizens a long way from home and we hope they are all looked after."
Barwick also paid tribute to Frank Lampard after the Chelsea midfielder displayed great courage in playing and scoring a penalty in the semi-final win over Liverpool following the recent death of his mother, Pat.
"It was a hugely emotional occasion," said Barwick. "And it is typical of Frank's spirit that he was man enough to take such a vital penalty."
