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Security fears for Cup final
Robert Mendick, Chief Reporter21 May 2008
Alarming security lapses have been exposed at the stadium which will host Wednesday's Champions League final.
An Evening Standard reporter and photographer were allowed to wander into Moscow's Luzhniki Stadium unchallenged.
Despite carrying a rucksack which was not searched, they were waved in by guards and were able to wander around the ground, sit in the presidential box and stroll across the pitch.
More than 40,000 Chelsea and Manchester United fans are facing stringent checks as they flood into Russia for the first such final between two English clubs. Thousands of police and soldiers are on duty.
Moscow has been the target of Chechen terror attacks but our reporter, without any accreditation, walked into the ground through an open gate.
He sat in the leather armchairs where dignitaries such as Russian prime minister Vladimir Putin, Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich and Uefa president Michel Platini will watch the game. A guard helpfully pointed out which seats they were. The security breach will be a huge embarrassment to the Russian authorities.
One source said: "It is unheard of for anyone to penetrate a major stadium on the eve of such a big match. This is of grave concern."
