Hello guys!

I saw in this thread that a lot of people were hesitant to go see the away game at Rostov. Mainly because of the visa but also because of the Euro's event with the supporters.

As a really old Russian supporter myself I ll give you three tips about Rostov that will change your mind about it and three warnings you ll need to respect if you do the travel.

1.The place.

Rostov is nice little city close to the sea. It's a place for tourists and you as a foreigner going to Russia you are more likely to like this. You have a good balance between typical Russian place and western civilisation to welcome you. Plus as a tourist station you have a lot of accommodation for your stay here.

2.The weather.

Rostov is a city close to the sea and have a sweet climate even in winter. I don't know what the weather will be for the game but you are more likely to have 15°C than -15°C. It's close to Mediterranean climate so it can be really windy too. But you are more likely to feel in holidays than in the cold mother Russia you here about everytime.

3.The supporters.

Let's talk about the thing everybody is afraid of. The Rostov's supporters are not the ones from Moscow and St Petersbourg. They are not known for hunting for glory or not known for the club fights. Rostov was a club with the fame similar to Leicester (and missed the title in fairytale run like Leicester). I don't say that you should expect nice and welcoming supporters. But don't expect large groups of ultra violent supporters. It's not common in south Russia (tchetchenia excepted).

The cons.

1.Police forces.

As much as I respect police forces in my mother country. Don't be a dick with Russian police. You want to fight ? They are more ready than you to fight. You are too noisy and bother them ? They ll sure explain to you in a language you ll understand that you bother them. And if you have a contentious with a Russian supporter, the police is not on your side in any way. Unless you speak Russian and can explain the situation. As an away fan they expect you to be all together not bothering local people. You can be as noisy as you want in the stadium, but outside be careful.

2.The local shops.

You are a tourist, you are here for a day or two and you speak non or close to non Russian ? The shopkeepers will sell you anything for a price way too high. (Not in the stadium don't worry). But Rostov is a tourist place and a lot of shopkeepers know how to abuse tourists that have no clue of the Russian money value. Just try to learn how much a pound is in rybl.(and nota bene: change your currency before going in Russia)

3.Rostov's fame

Remember what I told you about Rostov's fairytale run ? I heard that they had 10 000 more season tickets and most of those tickets were sold to people for the Caucasus. These people can be more violent than the casual Rostov's supporters. So even if they won't be as violent as Moscow's supporters stay always in group and close to the local police. They ll defend you if you are not agressive. If you want to fight back you are alone in this mess.

Note: I have to clear that the police will defend you if you are quiet, organised and polite. They don't like you but they have order from people that knows Manchester is one of the most famous club in the world and a lot of camera will be pointed on this event. They ll protect you like babies. But don't abuse this, respect the locals.

Take your time to visit the city if you can it's a wonderful place full of history.

And most important thing, have a good match !

EDIT: I made a lot of mistakes grammar etc so I correct them as I can. I took English in second language at school it was the wrong choice I know..