Manchester United taking advice before Roma match

LONDON, Nov 13 (Reuters) Manchester United are to seek advice from the authorities before their scheduled Champions League match against AS Roma in Italy on December 12.

Italian soccer was rocked by fan violence sparked by the shooting of a Lazio supporter by a policeman at the weekend.

Fans of the English champions were also involved in violent clashes in Rome in April when they met Roma in the first leg of their quarter-final tie.

United have received 1,800 applications for the Group F clash in Rome even though they have already qualified for the knockout round.

A United spokesman said: ''We are aware of the situation in Italy and will take advice from the Foreign Office, UEFA and the Italian authorities. Obviously the safety of our supporters is the most important issue here.'' Many supporters have applied for tickets for the Roma match in the belief it will give them a better chance of getting tickets for the later rounds, but United said fans would not suffer if they did not go to Rome.

In Italy, police have said the fatal shooting of Lazio fan Gabriele Sandri on Sunday was accidental. The unnamed officer is under investigation for manslaughter and has been re-assigned to internal duties.

REUTERS AB BD1745