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Dejected fans return after Manchester United fall at the final hurdle
28.05.09
Manchester United fans were making the long journey home today after watching their team fail in its attempts to clinch back-to-back Champions League titles.
United were comprehensively beaten by a spirited and skilful Barcelona side in Rome's impressive Stadio Olimpico last night.
Two well-taken goals, one in each half, sunk Sir Alex Ferguson's team as they slumped to defeat.
In pictures: Champions League final
United were hoping to become the first team to defend their Champions League title since the tournament was rebranded from the European Cup.
And signs looked good early on last night as they made a number of goal-scoring chances but their bright start was deflated by a goal in the ninth minute by Cameroon hitman Samuel Eto'o.
Barcelona controlled much of the second half and their pressure finally told with a header from Argentinian maestro Lionel Messi.
Around 20,000 fans packed into the stadium and a further 10,000 ticketless supporters were estimated to have travelled to Rome for the game.
The Manchester United team are expected back at the city's airport today and despite the defeat the English champions will be sure to receive a warm welcome from fans.
But last night supporters in Rome and Manchester alike were left distraught by the loss.
Lorry driver James Loney, who had travelled to Manchester from Lurgan, County Armagh to watch the match.
He said: "There's no point in pretending otherwise, but I've been a United fan all my life, 40 years.
"I'm devastated but you have to take the rough with the smooth.
"Cut me open, I'm red white and black inside. It will never stop me, no."
A huge security operation was in place in Rome yesterday involving Italian police and a number of officers from Greater Manchester Police, but the build up to the game passed off with little incident.
A 54-year-old United fan was reportedly stabbed in the early hours of yesterday morning but later discharged himself from hospital after his condition was not deemed as serious.
A number of Italian touts were also arrested for trying to sell tickets to United fans.
Three people were arrested yesterday for possession of counterfeit currency and two were arrested on Tuesday for violent conduct, a Foreign office spokesman said.
To avoid violence, city officials banned the sale of alcohol around the stadium and in airports and stations until this morning.
Italian football clubs, especially in Rome, have a number of notorious hooligan gangs, known as Ultras, who it was feared may have targeted travelling fans.
Prince William was among those watching United's defeat. He was invited by the Football Association to attend the match in his capacity as the organisation's president.
In pictures: Champions League final
Reader views (10)
Ah Phil - I assume that your team didn't even make it to the final? And oh yeah - perhaps you didn't notice.... there was another team out there too. They played quite well, it's generally agreed.
I wonder if that had anything to do with Man Utd losing the game? Hmmmmm.....
- Rogan, Irving
Man.Utd.lost because they were second best in everything, Barcelona did not allow them to play it was not a case of Man.Utd did not play to their ability and that allowed Barcelona to win, Barcelona were to good for them and they could not compete, their speed of thought and passing left Man.Utd players bemused and unable to raise their game to the higher standard needed. Why do Man.Utd supporters always think it is about them, Barcelona deserved to win
- Terry Cook, blackpool
Their fans will be alright once they get home and have a few jars of Scrumpy.
- Ted, London
Nothing to do with the players or manager. They've all had their hearts ripped out with the new 50% tax rate. Emotionally destroyed. Gordon and Ali score again!
- Tim, London
What a totally gutless performance, they got what they deserved...NOTHING
- Phill, peterborough
Chelsea gave Barca more of a challenge, and they were only beaten with the help of a blind ref!
- Dom, London
Best team won, despite having 4 multi million£ strikers on up front MU were second best.Perhaps its time for the OAP Manager to go now?
- Mike, London England
Chumps!!! They got what they deserved 'nothing' LOL
- C Cusano, Bedford
If Ronaldo and Rooney had been available, it might have been oh so different !
- John Bloomfield, Twickenham
we are sad because man u dont play well and because barcelon was not also a big team yesterday they won it coz man u fail to played like they were.what i can say plz think of all your fans before you play a final you cant blame sir alex of all its was the player who did not deliver the goods.they got big sum of money for nothing.
- Salman Madhoo, port-louis mauritius
