Greater Manchester Police are investigating clashes in Manchester ahead of Man Utd and Leeds' Premier League game at Old Trafford; the force has made four arrests so far in relation to scuffles between rival fans on Saturday
Monday 16 August 2021 12:41, UK
Scuffles broke out ahead of Manchester United's opening match of the season against Leeds.
Video on social media appeared to show clashes on the street, including a chair being thrown and someone being hit with a bin.
On Monday, Greater Manchester Police said four arrests had been made, and work is ongoing in relation to identifying any suspected offenders.
A 27-year-old man from Matlock was arrested on suspicion of breach of the peace and has since been released from custody, while a 64-year-old man from Coventry was arrested on suspicion of a public order offence and has been issued with a FPN (Fixed Penalty Notice).
A 24-year-old man from Leeds was arrested on suspicion of breach of the peace. He has since been released from custody, and a 22-year-old man from Chesterfield remains in custody after being arrested on suspicion of drunk and disorderly behaviour in a public place, and possession of a class A substance.
Chief Superintendent Stuart Ellison, Gold Commander for Saturday's public order operation, said: "Despite isolated incidents of disorder in the city centre prior to kick-off, today's events at Old Trafford largely passed without police incident and I would like to thank the majority of the public for their cooperation throughout the day.
"There were many challenges around today's operation, and our officers were working extended hours to help ensure that events passed safely and without significant disruption for the wider public going about their weekend activity.
"Work has begun immediately, in conjunction with football investigating officers from both Manchester United and Leeds United, to identify offenders of other incidents of disorder so that we are able to bring them to book for their mindless actions.
"Today was an important day for a lot of people with the return of capacity crowds at venues that have remained absent for such a long time, and I would like to thank the public, our officers and our partners from all agencies involved who helped make sure today was a safe and enjoyable affair for a vast majority of those concerned."
Bruno Fernandes scored a hat-trick as Manchester United made a stunning start to the new Premier League season with a 5-1 rout of Leeds.
