Date:31/03/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/03/31/stories/2008033156142000.htm

Sport - Football

Totti ruled out of United clash

ROME: AS Roma suffered a crucial blow to its Champions League hopes as captain and talisman Francesco Totti was on Sunday ruled out of Tuesday’s clash against Manchester United.

Roma hosts the English champion at the Stadio Olimpico in the quarterfinals first leg but will have to do without its star player.

United is already overwhelming favourites to progress in the tie and Totti’s thigh injury picked up during Saturday’s 1-1 draw against Cagliari will not have helped Roma’s cause.

“He has to undergo a period of rest and his situation will be monitored over the next few days,” said a club statement.

United also has injury problems, though, with four players who started in Saturday’s stunning 4-0 thrashing of Aston Villa doubtful for Tuesday.

United boss Sir Alex Ferguson substituted Michael Carrick, Rio Ferdinand and Patrice Evra in the second half and afterwards revealed that Ryan Giggs had also suffered an injury.

“They all had injuries and then Ryan Giggs got injured towards the end and that was a bit of a problem,” Ferguson said.

Ferguson also admitted he was unsure if his first-choice goalkeeper, Edwin van der Sar, who missed Saturday’s match, would be fit enough to play in Rome.

“Edwin may be a doubt for Tuesday,” the Scot added. “He has a problem with his groin again.”

Ahead of the match, Ferguson said he was concerned that United fans could be victims of a fresh outbreak of violence inside and outside Stadio Olimpico

Brutal treatment

United supporters reported brutal treatment by officers during crowd disturbances surrounding the club’s two Champions League trips to Rome in 2007.

Ahead of the first leg of the quarterfinal match, Ferguson said he was concerned that United fans could be victims of a fresh outbreak of violence inside and outside Stadio Olimpico.

“My main concern as we plan for Tuesday is for the safety of our travelling fans,” Ferguson said. “Last season the Italian police made a hash of security in the ground and quite a few of our people were hurt.

“That was put right when we went to Rome in December for a group game, but there was still danger on the streets and a number of stabbings.”

“I urge everyone who intends to go to Rome to heed the security advice, so that everything passes peaceably,” Ferguson said. “Hopefully then we can concentrate on a testing but exciting match.” — AP