7:01pm UK, Tuesday May 20, 2008

More than 7,000 riot police will be on duty to make sure there is no trouble at the Champions League final in Moscow on Wednesday night.

Football-shaped tent in Red Square

The clash between Chelsea and Manchester United will see more than 42,000 British fans in the Russian capital.

The police have been practising their drills inside the Luzhniki Stadium - where the game will be played.

At their disposal will be water cannon and tear gas, should things get out of hand.

The Moscow force has also been working closely with its British counterparts, who will identify any known troublemakers.

A police operation is also under way to prevent hooligans flying out of Manchester Airport.

Deputy head of police Vychaslav Kozlov said: "We have British policemen coming here and it's an established practice. They'll have their own transport, interpreters and it will help us to make sure their is order at the match."

Officials in Moscow are very keen that the event runs smoothly with organisers spending the past 18 months preparing for the big day.

Arriving fans can expect a carnival atmosphere. The city has been spruced up and the Luzhniki has been given a refit.

In Red Square, part of the famous cobbled stone has been covered with astro turf. It is part of what is being called the "Champions Festival."

Manchester United stalwart Chris George, from Grimsby, said: "We have had a great response around the town. I am loving it but now we the English are ready for a beer or two."

But the British Embassy is warning travelling supporters to be on best behaviour.

Press secretary James Barbour warned: "Be sensible. It is illegal to drink in public in this country and they are going to be enforcing that very strictly.

"Don't get involved in drugs - it is just not worth it. You will end up spending three to five years in prison."