Fans urged to act responsibly at Old Trafford on Saturday evening

Manchester United and Liverpool fans have been urged to behave responsibly by Greater Manchester Police (GMP) when the sides meet at 5.30pm on Saturday at Old Trafford, the first occasion since 2004 the fixture has been staged this late.

Liverpool are expected to bring about 3,000 fans to the match. The later kick-off time has led to concerns that supporters will have drunk more alcohol than usual before the game and GMP issued a statement on Wednesday to remind those attending of how they should act. Local regulations regarding drinking on the streets will be adhered to and fans have been warned that pyrotechnics are not allowed inside the stadium.

GMP said: “As always the TV cameras and media will be focused on one of the biggest club fixtures in the world. We hope that supporters from both sides act in a responsible manner and enjoy the game, no matter what the result. The aim is to ensure that everyone enjoys the match and the day passes off safely. Recent league fixtures at Old Trafford between United and Liverpool have passed without incident and this is something that I hope we can achieve again for this game.

Good relations

“Many issues experienced by fans can be overcome by effective communication and in order to build upon good relations from previous seasons, the Football Supporters’ Federation, Spirit of Shankly, Liverpool FC Supporters’ Committee and Manchester United Supporters Trust [have already been met with] to talk through some aspects of the policing operation.”

The visiting fans were also made aware that only two alcoholic drinks could be purchased inside Old Trafford.

Banning order

Regarding taking pyrotechnics to the derby, GMP added: “We would like to remind all supporters that pyrotechnics are dangerous and are not welcome by the majority of fans. It is an offence to enter a stadium with such an item and those engaging in this behaviour risk arrest, prosecution and also a banning order.

“You cannot drink alcohol on the street in Manchester city centre or Trafford, and this will be enforced around the stadium for home and away fans. Since implementing this policy it has stopped groups of supporters congregating at certain locations which created a hostile atmosphere for visiting fans and families.”

Meanwhile, The Football Association has cleared the way for Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur to play at Wembley while their stadiums are being redeveloped. FA chief executive Martin Glenn said he would support clubs using the 90,000-seat arena in those circumstances. Chelsea may have to vacate Stamford Bridge for at least two seasons, while Tottenham expect to spend the 2017-18 campaign away from White Hart Lane. – (Guardian Service)