Man United fans have been warned about going to Ukraine (Photo: Getty Images)
Manchester United have warned fans travelling to next week's decisive Europa League tie in Ukraine they are at risk of attack.
Jose Mourinho's side take on Zorya Luhansk in Odessa on December 8, needing a point to make it through to the knockout stage of the competition.
Zorya are based in Luhansk, a city in the eastern most province of Ukraine, but the game against United has been switched to Odessa due to the ongoing conflict in the war-torn region.
All of Zorya's Europa League home games this season have been played at Odessa's Chornomorets Stadium, 560 miles away from their home ground, while they have played their league games in Zaporizhia, 235 miles away.
United have reacted to the unstable situation in the area by issuing a letter to fans intending to go to the game that there is a serious chance they will be attacked if they travel.
Zorya fans during their Europa League match against Feyenoord (Photo: Getty Images)
United needed a Zlatan header for victory when Zorya visited in September (Photo: Getty Images)
They have told fans they are at risk of attack from organised gangs of Eastern Europeans and warned them they must be vigilant at all times if they intend to make the trip.
Fans have been warned not to wear United shirts or colours that would identify them as fans, and been advised that poor lighting on the route to the stadium leaves them vulnerable to attack.
Against that backdrop, United have offered to issue a full refund to those fans who have deemed it too dangerous to travel, pointing to “a number of safety and security risks” in the region.
Ukrainian police escort Legia Warsaw supporters after trouble last year (Photo: Getty Images)
The letter, sent out to fans who have applied for tickets to the game, states: “For your safety and security, you are advised not to wear Manchester United colours when in the Ukraine or attract attention to your presence in the city.
“Due to political sensitivity in the region it is not just opposition football fans who may potentially pose a risk to your safety.
“The stadium is within a short walking distance from the city centre and is located within a wooded park where the lighting is very poor.
“For your own safety, shuttle buses will be in operation from 5.45pm (local time) departing from Cathedral Square and you are strongly advised to travel to the stadium on these police escorted buses.
Feyenoord's Eric Botteghin is sent off in their clash with Zorya (Photo: Anadolu Agency/Getty Images)
“At the previous group stage games in the city, there have been attacks on visiting fans with some in the park around the stadium, so we therefore advise you not to walk through this park to the stadium.
“Incidents of serious disorder during the European Championships in France last summer involving violent individuals and groups emanating from Eastern Europe should be remembered when considering your movements and actions, and any potential risk.”
United issued a similar warning to fans ahead of their opening Europa League tie away to Feyenoord in September and are urging supporters to heed their advice once again.
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