Russian fan stabbed as police clash with Rangers fans

7:46am Thursday 15th May 2008

A RUSSIAN fan was stabbed outside the City of Manchester Stadium last night after Rangers' 2-0 defeat by Zenit St Petersburg in the UEFA Cup Final.

Police said his injuries were not life-threatening and they had arrested six men, believed to be Rangers fans, for a serious assault.

Supporters also clashed with riot police in Manchester city centre and another 24 arrests were made.

The angry scenes came after thousands of fans were left outraged when a screen meant to be showing the game in the Piccadilly Garden fan zone failed to work.

Fans lined the streets and the mood became tense when disgruntled supporters, who had waited all day to see the historic tie, were unable to watch the game.

Riot police faced hostile Rangers fans lobbing bottles and cans at them. After backing off for a while, police charged the fans, pushing them back. After one clash, a fan lay on the ground and appeared to be injured.

Other fans taunted officers by filming them with mobile phones, while police fended them off, hitting them with shields and batons.

The unpleasant scenes marred the good-natured party atmosphere.