Manchester United fans heading to Rotterdam for the Europa League match against Feyenoord have been warned to ‘dress conservatively’ following trouble with Dutch hooligans in previous years.

The club has written to all 1,400 supporters who have tickets for Thursday night’s game and urged them to take care in Holland.

Reds should avoid wearing club scarves and shirts to avoid any confrontation, the letter has suggested.

The letter states that ‘safety concerns from both the UK and local authorities’ means that tickets cannot be collected near the ground as is normal for European away games.

Instead supporters are told to ‘keep your ticket safe’ as they make their way to the Feijenoord Stadion which is about six kilometres from the centre of Rotterdam.

In 2012, Dutch police arrested 76 Ajax supporters before United’s Europa League clash in Amsterdam

A band of Anderlecht supporters from Belgium were also held while police seized tear gas and a pair of brass knuckles.

In the return tie, rival fans clashed in Binary Bar in Castlefield. Fireworks, tables and chairs were thrown while the bar’s main window was smashed.

Dutch police also made arrests in the Amsterdam red light district following clashes involving some City fans later in the same year.

It is expected that most Reds will fly to Amsterdam and then get to Rotterdam by bus or train.

The letter states: “For your own safety it is advisable to maintain a low profile and avoid areas of potential conflict and by dressing conservatively.”

It adds: “Once the game has ended, and Manchester United supporters are all out of the stadium, a special 1,200 seat train service will be provided from the stadium rail station. The service will stop at both Rotterdam and Amsterdam train stations.

“Please ensure that you carry your passport at all times, as required by law in the Netherlands. There is currently a general high threat level from terrorism in Europe and you should ensure that you are mindful of your own personal safety and security whilst travelling.”

Fans are urged to follow travel advice from the Foreign Office for people travelling to Holland.

Supporters heading to Rotterdam are encouraged to use a fanzone at Biergarten on Schiestraat in Rotterdam, next to main railway station, and then get to the ground on shuttle buses provided.

Fans are told they will be ‘fully searched’ at the ground and that only flags which have been ‘approved in advance’ will be allowed in.

Reds can expect to be held back for around 30 minutes after the final whistle, the letter continues.

“Finally, we hope that you enjoy your visit to the Netherlands and thank you for your support,” it concludes.

More at http://www.bookspen.com/manchester-united-fans-warned-amid-fears-trouble-europa-feyenoord-tie/

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