Greek police begin security operation for Athens final

ATHENS, May 21 (Reuters) More than 7,500 police officers and thousands more security personnel today started taking positions in and around the capital ahead of Wednesday's Champions League final between AC Milan and Liverpool.

With about 50,000 English and Italian fans expected in Athens, many of them without tickets, police are bracing for three days of potential clashes.

''It is not only the 7,500 officers who will patrol the city.

Every single employee of the police force is on full alert until after Wednesday,'' a police official told Reuters.

Greece has activated a part of its successful Athens 2004 Olympics security plan, including cameras, helicopters and three security perimetres as well as limited vehicle access to the area around the Olympic stadium.

''We feel the need to show again that we as a society and as police are worthy hosts,'' Public Order Minister Byron Polidoras said following a security meeting yesterday.

Polidoras and his senior officers have done their homework in the run-up to the final, liaising with British and Italian police for information regarding known trouble-makers but their main source of concern is potential demonstrations by their own officers on the day of the final.

Police unions seeking pay hikes and improved working conditions have pledged not to go on strike on Wednesday so as not to disrupt the match but have confirmed they will stage a demonstration on the day.

They have planned a rally in Athens some three hours before the start of the final.

''These actions by the unions for the day of the final are wrong.

They must not take place,'' Polidoras said. ''They could stain this major sports event and embarrass the nation.'' Authorities have said they expect a total of about 35,000 Liverpool and AC Milan fans with tickets and at least another 15,000 who will travel to Greece without a match ticket.

Athens international airport has said Italian and English fans will not meet upon arrival and will be guided to the airport exits from separate routes.

''These fans will not meet at the airport. Our plan is for them not to meet throughout their stay in Athens,'' the police official said.

It is the second time in three seasons that Liverpool and Milan have played each other in the Champions League final following their first meeting in Istanbul in 2005 which passed without any major crowd trouble.

REUTERS BJR SSC1249