Saints supporters in Arnhem for the Europa League game have a dedicated fans zone for them to enjoy the pre match atmosphere.

It has been announced that the municipality of Arnhem has dedicated a zone for Saints fans on Thursday and it will be in the the Jansplaats area of the city.

The square will be little Southampton on the day with local bars and restaurants etc being encouraged to join in the spirit of the day.

There will also be two large beer carousels and a BBQ as the good people of Arnhem seem set to show Saints fans the hospitality that they themselves received in Southampton and welcome us with open arms and the friendliness they themselves showed last week.

Quotes in the local media indicate that the authorities in Arnhem want to ensure its a peaceful invasion from Southampton supporters and although they are keeping things low key they seem to be prepared for trouble should it arise. Apologies as some of the translation does not read exactly.

Arndt Stroink, safety manager of the municipality wants Arnhem supporters of Southampton 'good facilitation (SIC).

"We offer them a nice place in the city where they day and night to keep their own party. Matter of good hospitality. However, in view of security it is useful if we know where the English are."

Stroink say they can not prevent the British also visiting the nearby Corn Market, the usual haunt of Vitesse supporters.

"It allows our guests to be free to come and go as they please. There are no fences around the Jansplaats or something. But they certainly have their own views. We have about had a meeting with the board of the fan club."

The adviser of the Mayor continues to say he does not expect any problems with the visitors.

"I'm going to assume that it remains cozy, given the experience gained in Southampton with Vitesse supporters." If anything should happen disturbances, then the mayor has sufficient police capacity on hand, says Stroink.

So Saints fans have the chance to have a few beers and enjoy a great day in Arnhem, a European experience the like of which we have never really had the opportunity to enjoy before for many years.

The Jansplaats is a square in the centre of Arnhem packed with bars etc and is an ideal place to enjoy a few drinks

Hopefully we will replicate the behaviour of Vitesse supporters in Southampton who were friendly, noisy and impressive, one thing they weren't was violent, they enjoyed a great day out and many Saints fans expressed their admiration of how they made for a great atmosphere both in the City Centre and the ground.

Photo: Action Images

A1079 added 21:51 - Aug 4 I hope our fans do us proud as a team, club and city in the best possible way. I get sick of hearing of the antics of Leeds, Chelsea fans et al who disrespect their hosts. That does not mean we should not sing or have fun but wherever we go in Europe this season I want us to be remembered for the right reasons.
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Jesus_02 added 07:23 - Aug 5 I would like to think that we can create our own reputation in Europe and set ourselves aside from trouble that has happened with other clubs
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SalisburySaint added 08:15 - Aug 5 Hope all our supporters make the occasion a celebration as the Vitesse fans did last week, and as others have said make noise, drink loads but let's come away with everyone praising our supporters for their behaviour
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SaintBrock added 10:04 - Aug 5 There remains a huge legacy of respect and genuine friendship for the British after their vainglorious attempt to liberate the City in 1944. It is incumbent upon Saints fans to uphold the honour of their forebears and behave with decency and civility and the hand of friendship. I am confident fans will not let us or their country down.
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