THE Russians are playing party-poopers to football fans planning to descend on Trafalgar Square on the eve of Sunderland’s Capital One Cup Final appearance against Manchester City.

Supporters from the North-East have made a habit of heading to the London landmark, many enjoying a soaking in the square’s fountains, on the rare occasions their teams qualify for a Wembley final.

But Black Cats’ fans planning to maintain that tradition on Saturday night, or post-match on Sunday, have been warned that Trafalgar Square is playing host to Maslenitsa, a Russian seasonal cultural festival.

As a result most of the public open space is closed off as the square is transformed into a Russian bazaar, with stalls offering traditional goods and souvenirs from the eastern European super power.

Festivities, to mark the onset of spring, have been taking place throughout the week, but culminate in a big show of Russian craft, culture, music and dance on Sunday.

Finishing touches to prepare the show site will be made on Saturday evening, meaning a large part of the square will be inaccessible to the public.

A Greater London Authority spokesman said: “We understand from social media that some Sunderland fans may be planning to meet up in Trafalgar Square on the evening of Saturday March 1, ahead of their team’s Capital One Cup Final at Wembley Stadium, on Sunday.

“While we hope supporters will enjoy a fantastic weekend in London, we are advising fans not to come to Trafalgar Square on Saturday as a large ‘event build’ will be underway in preparation for the annual Maslenitsa Festival, the following day.

“As a result, the majority of the square will be closed off to the public throughout the day on Saturday and into the early hours of Sunday morning.”

Sunderland fanzine, Seventy3, editor Mal Robinson said Covent Garden may prove the next best alternative, although its streets are usually bustling with tourists and other visitors on a Saturday evening.