Clamp down on troublemakers

Police are set to clamp down on troublemakers ahead of the Manchester derby at the Etihad Stadium.

Manchester City are due to play Manchester United in the potential Premier League title decider.

About 47,000 fans are expected to watch the match at the stadium and thousands more will be watching in pubs.

Greater Manchester Police said extra patrols will be in the city centre and officers will be visiting pubs where the match is being shown live on TV.

Ch Supt John O'Hare, until recently in charge of Rochdale police, said: "The rivalry between the clubs really adds something extra to this fixture and should be embraced, but we must also ensure that this is not used as an excuse by some individuals to become involved in disorder.

"We want fans to enjoy themselves, but at the same time, we want to make it clear to the minority who may be thinking of causing any trouble that we will clamp down hard on them.

"We want to ensure that the city of Manchester, both of its clubs and its fans are remembered for the right reasons. We should celebrate the fact that the Premier League is coming to Manchester."

Police have warned anyone caught with alcohol on the streets within an exclusion zone, stretching from the city centre to the stadium, will have it confiscated.

Anyone arriving at the stadium under the influence of excess alcohol will also be refused entry, the force said.