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03:59 GMT, Thursday, 22 May 2008 04:59 UK

Man Utd fans enjoy European win

Manchester United fans celebrating outside Old Trafford

Manchester United fans around the world are celebrating after their team beat Chelsea in the Champions League final.

Around 40,000 English supporters were at Moscow's Luzhniki Stadium to see United win 6-5 in a penalty shoot-out.

Thousands of fans have started the journey back to the UK after the match, which ended at about 0130 local time.

There were no reports of trouble either inside or outside the Luzhniki stadium although there had been a few minor scuffles in the city earlier.

In England 12 Chelsea fans were arrested on suspicion of public disorder offences after scuffles with police in west London.

A crowd of 200 had gathered near Fulham Broadway tube station after watching the match in various pubs close to the club's Stamford Bridge stadium.

A Scotland Yard spokesman said: "Shortly after the match ended, some people became noisy and abusive and bottles and street furniture were thrown."

FINAL FACTS

So far, so peaceful in Moscow

Fans stranded by cancelled flight

The BBC's Richard Galpin attended the match in Moscow.

He said: "Overall the atmosphere since the beginning of the week when the crowds began arriving has been generally been positive and peaceful.

"The word 'fantastic' was used frequently by fans we've interviewed about the reception from the Russian population and about the organisation of the event by the authorities."

Following the final whistle, Manchester United fan Simon Green, 50, a self-employed bricklayer from Leamington Spa, Warwickshire, said he was "absolutely ecstatic".

He said: "I don't think I have ever been so nervous in my entire life as during the penalty shoot-out.

"You've got to feel very sorry for Chelsea, because they hit the woodwork twice, but we are the best two teams in Europe, so we may meet again."

Chelsea fan Mick Saward, 52, a taxi driver from St Albans, Hertfordshire, said he felt his team "gave their best".

He singled out John Terry for sympathy, referring to the fact the Chelsea captain slipped while taking his penalty, causing him to miss.

Culture Secretary Andy Burnham, who was at the match, said it had been "a great night for English football, and a thrilling game".

Sir Alex Ferguson holding the trophy British police travelled to Moscow to assist their local counterparts and prevent any trouble after the game, which ended 1-1 after extra time.

The only trouble came a few hours before the game, when a dozen young Russians threw glass bottles at Chelsea fans who were drinking outside a popular bar.

Some fans complained about difficulties getting around the city, with delays caused by traffic congestion and long queues to check in to hotels - despite efforts by the Russian authorities to ease their way, with special buses and bus lanes to ensure fans do not get caught in rush hour jams.

One charter flight from Gatwick Airport to Moscow was cancelled on Wednesday because of a technical problem with the aircraft, leaving 224 Chelsea fans unable to travel to the match.



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