Reds welcome removal of fencing

Liverpool have welcomed Fiorentina's decision to remove the cage surrounding the away section of the Stadio Artemio Franchi ahead of their Champions League clash on Tuesday.

The Reds' stadium and operations manager, Ged Poynton sent a report to UEFA detailing their concerns over the poor facilities following a visit to Tuscany earlier this month.
 
Fiorentina's response was to remove part of the metal fencing where the 2,400 travelling Reds are to be housed, prompting Poynton to praise their decision.
 
"When we did our recce a fortnight ago I had real concerns about the safety and welfare of our fans in that away end," said Poynton.
 
"The fencing was so high and so deep that a lot of fans wouldn't have been able to even see half of the pitch.
 
"It would also have encouraged fans to all head for the top of the section where there is only a small railing and then a big drop.
 
"Our report was submitted to UEFA and we're very pleased to hear action is now being taken.
 
"Taking away some of the fencing is positive and we will see when we get there how far they have gone.
 
"It's still a poor section of the ground but any improvements are to be welcomed."
 
Fiorentina have gone to great lengths to accommodate the needs of the Reds supporters when they arrive in the city next week.
 
Free buses will transport visiting supporters to and from the ground, while there will be a Fan Zone by the stadium with a big screen as well as free refreshments.
 
Poynton, who is also on UEFA's stadium construction and management panel, is confident the hosts' hospitality will be rewarded.
 
"Fiorentina have been very fair and friendly, and really want to look after our supporters," he said.
 
"We certainly don't envisage any trouble and I'm sure our fans will be fine ambassadors for the club.
 
"Yes, we made strong representation about the away end but that was not to be difficult.
 
"We did it for our fans and if we had said nothing our supporters would have been angry and upset with what greeted them at the stadium.
 
"The club didn't just sit back and it seems to have sparked certain people into action."
 
Under Italian law every ticket must have a fan's name and date of birth on it and the authorities insist it will be enforced.
 
Supporters are expected to produce ID to prove they are the person who is named on the ticket.
 
Anyone with a ticket without their own name on must inform Liverpool they are using it and ensure they are on the list sent to Fiorentina detailing all fans who are travelling. Anyone not on the list won't gain access to the stadium.
 
The hotline for any Reds fan who encounters problems while in Florence is: +39 3346907450.