MANCHESTER UNITED and Liverpool fans have been warned to be on high alert due to fears they will be targeted by hooligans in Moscow.
The Premier League rivals are both in Russia this week for Champions League clashes against CSKA and Spartak.
English fans have gained a reputation abroad, with MMA-trained Russian thugs targeting them to prove their toughness.
Euro 2016 saw shocking scenes in Marseille as gangs joined forces to attack Three Lions supporters.
And footage has emerged of CSKA and Spartak ultras meeting for pre-planned battles in the countryside.
Manchester University lecturer and hooligan expert Geoff Pearson told the Daily Star: “For Eastern European hooligans, like those in Russian and Poland, fighting – rather than drinking – is a critical part of the culture.
“It is very important for them to show off their mixed martial arts skills and what time down the gym has done for their strength rather than drinking lots of vodka.
“Stimulants, on the other hand, will be involved for some of them – such as coke and amphetamines. We saw that at play in Marseille.
“English fans are seen as a legitimate target. They have earned a reputation for fighting abroad and, in part, it is down to films like Green Street and similar films that are watched abroad that has given the false impression that English fans behave like that abroad.
“I would be very surprised, though, if English fans were met by the same level of violence that was seen in Marseilles.
“Last year Russian supporters from many clubs came together to attack them.
“But at home it will be very unlikely that rival firms fight side by side as they will be keen to develop their own reputations.”
A United spokesman said: “For your own safety and security you are advised not to wear Manchester United colours when in Moscow, or attract attention to your presence in the city.
“It is also advised that you remain in groups where possible and do not walk around in the city alone, further highlighting the benefits of using the arranged bus transfers.”
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