Big match fans warned of booze penalty

BOOZING football fans heading to Sunday’s clash between Manchester United and Liverpool at Old Trafford face on-the-spot fines.

Fans caught drinking near the stadium who refuse to surrender or dispose of alcohol will be hit with a £50 penalty.

And anyone arriving at the stadium under the influence of excess alcohol will be refused entry.

Greater Manchester Police has written to local off-licences requesting a voluntary closure before the game.

A significant police presence will be in Manchester city centre on Sunday with officers visiting pubs where the match is being shown live on TV.

Chief Supt Mark Roberts, commander for the fixture, said supporters were being asked to play their part by behaving sensibly.

He said: “The overwhelming majority of fans who come to Old Trafford do so to watch the football and behave impeccably.

“It is important to single them out for praise because all too often a very small minority give genuine football fans an unfair reputation.

“That is why we will be robustly enforcing the local by-laws that make it an offence to refuse to hand over alcohol to a requesting officer within a controlled drinking zone.

“In the past, people who have been drinking in these areas have made a nuisance of themselves and created a hostile atmosphere for others.

“My message to these people is that you have been warned and if you refuse to hand over or dispose of your alcohol you will be fined or even arrested.”