A group of Manchester United supporters have been arrested as part of a dawn-raid operation following shocking violence earlier in the season.
Man United faced Dutch side FC Twente in September with the game finishing in a 1-1 draw following strikes from Christian Eriksen and Sam Lammers. The match was one of Erik ten Hag’s final in charge as he was sacked the following month following a poor run of results.
Away from the football, there were scenes of violence between both sets of supporters. Two groups of around 40 balaclava-wearing yobs clashed in Lower Broughton, Salford, the day before the game, reports the Mirror.
No weapons were used, with the thugs fighting bare knuckle. Terrified witnesses called cops but trouble soon resurfaced at a Manchester pub.
And now, officers have come down hard on those involved. Specialist operations cops investigated the incidents, viewing CCTV from the venue.
Homes were raided early this morning, Wednesday December 11, with 10 high-risk supporters being identified and subsequently arrested. The oldest was of a man aged 64, while the youngest arrested was just 20.
Officers also discovered two separate cannabis farms during the raids, with a 36-year-old woman subsequently arrested on suspicion of having the cultivation. All of those arrested are now due to be held for 24 hours but are expected to be bailed and subject to strict conditions that will likely stop them from attending this weekend’s crucial Manchester derby at the Etihad Stadium.
A Greater Manchester Police spokesperson said: “Intelligence was gathered that a targeted and organised large-scale fight took place over two month ago in Lower Broughton before heading towards the city centre. With the Manchester derby only days away this is another strong reminder that violence of any sort, whether it is linked to football or not, will not be tolerated.”
Chief Superintendent Colette Rose added: “Our proactive and positive action today has been targeted to highlight that organised violence of any kind has no place in Greater Manchester. It does not reflect most people who go to events and games without any intention to cause fear or to commit crime.
“With another big fixture coming this weekend we want to send a strong message and reassurance that our specialised officers will be deployed to ensure you remain safe and peace is maintained so you can enjoy the game.”
United are back in European action on Thursday evening as they travel to Viktoria Plzen. They then take a trip to the Etihad Stadium for a showdown with Manchester City on Sunday afternoon.
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