Anzhi impose tough security for Liverpool game

The FC Anji Makhachkala players line up for a team photo

Moscow, Nov 2 (IANS/RIA Novosti): Anzhi fans will be forced to make an appointment and show identification in order to buy a ticket for their teama’s Europa League football clash with Liverpool next week.

Anzhi play their European games at Lokomotiv Moscow’s ground after UEFA banned their home province from hosting matches due to security concerns.

The matches have attracted hardcore fans from Moscow teams angry at Caucasus-based Anzhi using the stadium, and many taunted Anzhi fans with racist abuse at a game with AZ Alkmaar in September, leading to around 80 arrests.

“You just need to submit an application and buy the ticket for the match with I.D.,” said Ramazan Gaziev, head of the Wild Division fan group, which will help Anzhi management distribute the tickets.

“With the aim of not letting into the stadium hooligans who could overshadow a football holiday, the club has been forced to introduce certain limits on ticket sales.”

Fans will be allowed to buy a maximum of four tickets and must show identification for each person who will receive a ticket, Gaziev said.

The measures do not affect Liverpool fans, as the visiting club has full control of away ticket sales.

Anzhi’s previous Europa League games have seen no such security measures on ticket purchases, although there was a heavy police presence at the 2-0 home group stage win over Young Boys Bern last month.

Anzhi are second in Group A, two points behind Liverpool, after a 0-1 defeat at Anfield last week.

–IANS/RIA Novosti

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