Great result: only 13 derby arrests

Reporter: Richard Hooton
Date online: 28 January 2010

THIRTEEN men were arrested during last night’s passionate Manchester derby — but police thanked the vast majority of fans for behaving.

Eleven arrests were made in the lead up to the Carling Cup semi-final second leg at Old Trafford on suspicion of various offences including public order, affray and criminal damage.

Two more men were arrested inside the stadium — one after a plastic bottle was thrown on to the pitch and the other in connection with offences at previous matches.

There was a large police presence in a bid to avoid a repeat of scenes at last week’s first leg at Eastlands — which resulted in appeals for the public to identify troublemakers. So far 29 people have been arrested for alleged offences from that game.

Last night, dogs, trained to sniff out flare guns or drugs, were at the ground along with riot police and fans had to walk through knife-detection arches. Assistant Chief Constable Ian Hopkins said: “The arrests we made prior to the game and the work we carried out with the clubs has paid dividends.

“The vast majority of fans have taken on board our messages ahead of the game, making sure it has been a safe evening and one that can be remembered for the football.

“The low number of arrests on the night is testament to the excellent work of all those involved.

“Fans behaved very well and I would like to thank them for listening to the messages we have been giving.”

The arrests included three men, aged 34, 17 and 34, for public order offences, a 35–year–old man for criminal damage, a 44–year–old man for a public order offence and possession of class A drugs, a 35–year–old man for attempting to enter the ground while drunk and an 18–year–old man for theft. Two other men were arrested in the city centre.