Ostrava - The city of Ostrava, the north Moravian capital, happens to be in motion today preparing intensly for a big football match.
About 800 policemen will patrol the city streets, making sure no incidents occur between the fans of Spartak Moscow and Baník Ostrava, as their teams meet Thursday evening in the first round of the UEFA Cup.
Fans of Spartak, whose reputation is far from being angels, are expected to be accompanied by their allies, Polish fans of Lech Poznan. At the same time, Baník Ostrava "ultras" are known to have excellent relationships with supporters of other Polish club, GKS Katowice.
Police forces have information that Polish fans do not have tickets and will try to enter the stadium by force.
High-risk match
"We see this match as one of the most risky ever played in Ostrava," spokeswoman of the north Bohemian police Soňa Štětínská informed.
The city officials´ fears are reinforced by the bad experience when another Czech AC Sparta Prague played Spartak Moscow last year. The match was marked by numerous violent incidents.
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North Bohemian police patrols will monitor the streets of Ostrava with the help of their colleagues from south Moravia and also from Poland.
A helicopter as well as equestrian police will be on patrol.
Special measures
FC Baník Ostrava has applied a number of special measures too. Buyers were allowed to acquire only a maximum of four tickets, and all had to present their ID numbers which have been printed on the tickets so ushers will be able to control the incoming fans' identity.
Poles had to use special e-mail addresses in order to get tickets.
The fans will have to undergo three controls, so they are encouraged to come early.
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Traffic limitations
Inhabitants of Ostrava have to prepare for special measures that will limit the city´s traffic. A road leading to the stadium will be closed at 3 pm with traffic curbed also in the city center.
Baník Ostrava informed that 11,000 tickets were sold up until yesterday. The capacity of the stadium is more than 17,000 seats.
The match will begin at 6:45 PM, the stadium will be opened three hours earlier.
