On a tension packed night in Rome last evening, events on the pitch were once again overshadowed by matters off it.

In a nerve wrecking shoot-out, Arsenal beat their capital counterparts Roma to progress to the quarterfinal stage of the prestigious Champions League competition.

Come May, two sides will return to the Stadio Olimpico to battle it out for the right to be called European Champions of 2009, but should Rome get the honour and financial rewards of hosting such an event?

Owing to violent clashes and racist chants that have marred European games in recent seasons, at the start of this season UEFA announced that it would have no hesitation in moving either the Europa or Champions League final if they felt the well-being of fans was endangered.

Judging by events when Manchester United visited last time, and the events of last night, the safety of away fans visiting Rome is questionable.