Police on Carling Cup derby alert

Police are preparing for the crunch Manchester derby tonight as the first leg of the Carling Cup semi-final gets under way at Eastlands.

Fans are expected to descend on pubs across Greater Manchester — including Rochdale — as the game edges closer to the 8.05pm kick-off.

A key part of the operation is to deter the minority of people who go to the game to cause trouble, and respond to any incidents of disorder or anti-social behaviour quickly and efficiently.

Anyone caught with alcohol within exclusion zones will have it confiscated and anyone arriving at the stadium under the influence of excess alcohol will be refused entry.

Officers will be positioned around the ground, in the city centre and will also visit pubs where the match is being shown. Traffic delays are expected and fans are advised to give themselves plenty of time to make their way to the ground.

Assistant Chief Constable Ian Hopkins said: “The derby is always a highly anticipated fixture by both sets of fans and our aim is to help make the occasion a safe and enjoyable one.

“GMP is very experienced at policing football matches and this game will be no exception.

“We will have the appropriate number of officers and resources within the ground and the surrounding areas to both deal with any incidents and offer reassurance to the public. I would like to stress that previous derby matches have passed off largely peacefully and without major incident.

“It is important to say that the overwhelming majority cause no trouble and go purely to enjoy the football and support their team.

“Of the tens of thousands of fans who will be watching the game both at the ground and in licensed premises, it is only a small minority who cause trouble and try and spoil it for everyone, and we will not hesitate to make arrests of troublemakers.

“The derby is a great day for the city and we would ask that fans play their part by behaving sensibly and do the city proud so that what happens on the pitch is the only talking point.”