Ten Manchester United fans have been arrested in a series of dawn raids after a staggering organised bare-knuckle brawl on wasteland with Dutch supporters in September.
In a wide-scale swoop ahead of this weekend’s Manchester derby, officers descended on a number of homes across the region and held a number of suspects – including a 64-year-old man.
They acted after disturbing scenes unfolded in front of stunned members of the public the day before United played FC Twente at Old Trafford.
In startling scenes sources have compared to the dark days of the 1980s, two groups of around 40 balaclava-wearing thugs started battling in Lower Broughton, Salford.
No weapons were used and it is thought that the brawl was a pre-arranged meet subject to set of pre-determined rules.
Frightened witnesses called police, but trouble flared again a short time later in a Manchester city centre pub.
Ten Manchester United fans have been arrested in a series of dawn raids after a staggering organised bare-knuckle brawl on wasteland with Dutch supporters in September
It is claimed that two groups of around 40 balaclava-wearing thugs started battling in Salford
The violence unfolded the day before United’s game with FC Twente, which ended 1-1
It is thought that the United group followed the Dutch and launched another attack which left terrified bar staff scrambling for cover.
Specialist operations police launched an investigation and scoured CCTV from the venue.
As a result, homes were raided this morning and 10 ‘high-risk’ supporters aged between 20 and 64 were arrested.
During the raids, officers also discovered two separate cannabis farms and a 36-year-old woman was subsequently arrested on suspicion of cultivation.
Those held have been locked up for 24 hours while inquiries continue. Most are likely to be bailed and subject to a series of strict conditions which are likely to prevent them from attending Sunday’s clash at the Etihad Stadium.
A spokesperson for GMP 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, who was a senior officer for the UK Football Policing Operation at the Euros, added: ‘Our proactive and positive action today as 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.
Specialist operations police launched a probe and the fans arrested were deemed as ‘high-risk’
Chief Superintendent Colette Rose sent a warning ahead of this weekend’s Manchester derby
‘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.’
‘I would like to remind those attending fixtures over the Christmas period that you can continue to report your concerns directly to officers or through 101. Always dial 999 in an emergency. Alternatively, you can speak anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.’
Recent Home Office figures showed United and City ranked only behind West Ham United in arrests for 2023-24, with 88 each.
