ATHENS, Greece (AP) _ Thousands of police began taking up
positions in Athens for Wednesday's Champions League final, while
authorities arrested suspected scalpers accused of selling tickets
for up to 2,500 euros (C$3,650).
A Greek travel agent was arrested in Athens for trying to sell
black market tickets at nearly 18 times the cover price of 140 euros
(C$200) to undercover officers. A warrant was issued for an alleged
accomplice.
A school teacher was arrested last week trying to sell tickets
for 3,500 euros (C$5,100).
With fans of Liverpool and AC Milan beginning to arrive at Athens
International Airport on Monday, police began rolling out security
measures to prevent rival supporters from clashing.
More than 15,000 police officers will be deployed around the
city, setting up a three-layer perimeter around the Olympic Stadium
to keep away fans not holding tickets.
Roads will also be closed around the 70,000-seat stadium and
Olympic complex where the 2004 Summer Games were held.
In England, Merseyside police urged Liverpool fans without
tickets not to travel to Athens.
``If they don't (have tickets) they run the risk of being sent
home,'' said Chief Superintendent Dave Lewis, who was arriving in
Athens to join Italian colleagues in helping the Greek police.
``There will be a big operational focus at the entry points and the
stadium and its perimeter. Anyone without tickets or overtly drunk
could cause problems in these areas so my strong advice is to stay
away.''
On the day of the final, Greek police associations will stage a
uniformed demonstration to demand higher pay and other benefits.
They rejected a government plea to call off the protest.
``A major sporting event like the Champions League final
highlights the problems faced by police officers, who are often the
target of violent attacks during such events,'' a statement from
Greece's National Police Federation said Monday.
Greek police chief Anastassios Dimoshakis said planning centred
on keeping rival fans physically separated.
AC Milan and Liverpool players will be taken to hotels on
opposite ends of the city, while fans arrive at separate airport
terminal buildings, travel to Athens by different routes and access
the stadium from different points.
Supporters will also be handed coloured wrist bands to
co-ordinate crowds at the stadium.
Organizers and sponsors have set up three fan areas in the city
centre for events that will include a five-a-side soccer game
featuring retired France star Zinedine Zidane and former Greece
captain Theo Zagorakis.
