Manchester United and Leeds supporters have been captured clashing in the city centre shortly before the Premier League clash.
The two rivals meet at Old Trafford in Saturday’s lunchtime kick-off, marking the first weekend where top-flight stadiums will be full since the coronavirus pandemic last year.
However, in disturbing scenes a group of fans were recorded in a brawl with chairs thrown across the street and police forced to break it up.
A statement from Greater Manchester Police read: "Patrols in city centre made aware of some isolated incidents of disorder at premises in the area.
"We're working closely with those premises to support licensees at early signs of any disorder and negate it as swiftly as possible. No arrests have been made."
It’s a disappointing start to what promises to be a day of celebrations across the Premier League, with spectators finally making their return.
For the first time in 17 months, The Theatre of Dreams will be at capacity, with 75,000 set to be in attendance.
On Friday, police called for supporters to behave responsibly, with more than 200 officers on duty across the city.
Chief superintendent Stuart Ellison, Greater Manchester Police’s gold commander for public order operations, called for good behaviour at a number of events across Manchester.
“It feels like a long time since we last had capacity crowds, but we have worked on hundreds of events in the past and our priority this weekend remains the same,” he said.
“The Premier League starts with Manchester hosting the biggest game of the weekend, 70,000 fans returning to Old Trafford to see Manchester United hosting Leeds United.
“That’s just one of four matches on our patch on Saturday afternoon.
“Our officers are working extended hours this weekend to help keep the public safe. All that we ask is that you behave responsibly so everyone can enjoy themselves.”
GMP statement added: “Since the release of the fixture list we have been working with Manchester United, the supporters’ groups of both clubs, local authorities, and other relevant partners to ensure all supporters in attendance are able to enjoy the game in a safe environment.
“There can be challenges around this fixture that present it as high-risk which is why we work closely with these agencies to put together a thorough policing plan that ensures all spectators can enjoy the match without any issue or disruption for the wider public.”
United had also urged home supporters to make their way to the stadium well before the 12.30 kick off, in anticipation of some teething problems with new Covid-safe protocols in place.
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