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15 May, 2008 03:32

Russian champions win UEFA Cup

FC Zenit St Petersburg have won the UEFA Cup. They beat Scottish side Glasgow Rangers 2-0 in the final in Manchester to claim the first major European trophy in the club's history.

The Russian side were stronger throughout. Striker Igor Denisov scored the first goal in the 72nd minute, and Konstantin Zyryanov added a second in injury time.

About 10,000 Russian fans travelled to Britain to watch the game. They were well outnumbered by Rangers supporters, 100,000 of whom had flooded into Manchester from Scotland.

Police said the majority of fans behaved impeccably, though a number of clashes broke out between rival supporters.

During the trouble a Zenit fan was stabbed not far from the City of Manchester Stadium, but fortunately his life is not considered to be in danger. Police consider the incident to be “a serious assault” and detained six Rangers fans.

The Scottish team's supporters also confronted police who'd cordoned off the city centre. It's reported the fans were throwing beer cans and bottles at the officers. Around 40 fans were detained.

The Rangers defeat has been also followed by some clashes in Glasgow. Police have reportedly detained 17 people for breach of public order not far from Rangers’ Ibrox Stadium.

Meanwhile, fans in St. Petersburg celebrated deep into the night and the hometown of the newly-crowned champions is likely to stay in party mood for the coming days and weeks.

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