- Rival Man Utd and Leeds fans’ brawl sparks six arrests after ugly scenes in Manchester as Premier League returns with crowds in stadiums
This is the shocking moment a huge brawl broke out in Manchester city centre ahead of Manchester United’s clash against Leeds at Old Trafford on Saturday.
Six arrests were made after scuffles broke out ahead of Manchester United’s opening match of the Premier League season against visitors Leeds United, police said.
Greater Manchester Police said that despite ‘isolated incidents of disorder’ before kick-off, the event at Old Trafford on Saturday passed ‘largely without police incident’.
In chaotic scenes filmed from inside a cafe, groups of men can be seen running around a corner while throwing chairs and throwing punches.
The 21-second clip, uploaded to Twitter, shows one man brandishing a bin as a weapon as he repeatedly smashes it against another fan who has fallen to the ground.
A police officer can then be seen among the crowds as the men disperse in different directions.
Chaotic scenes filmed in Manchester city centre show a bin being brandished as a weapon during a massive street brawl
A group of men exchange blows during brawl ahead of Man Utd and Leeds clash Saturday
A man can be seen in footage online hitting a football fan repeatedly with a bin
The groups of men eventually disperse as a police officers arrives to the scene
Police said that six arrests had been made over the course of the day – five in relation to public order offences and one on suspicion of drug offences.
The force said that work was also under way in conjunction with football investigating officers from both Manchester United and Leeds United to identify people involved in other incidents of disorder.
Chief Superintendent Stuart Ellison said: ‘Despite isolated incidents of disorder in the city centre prior to kick-off, today’s events at Old Trafford largely passed without police incident and I would like to thank the majority of the public for their cooperation throughout the day.
‘Six arrests were made over the course of the day; five in relation to public order offences and one on suspicion of drug offences.
‘These suspects remain in custody in cells in Greater Manchester for questioning this evening.
‘Today was an important day for a lot of people with the return of capacity crowds at venues that have remained absent for such a long time, and I would like to thank the public, our officers and our partners from all agencies involved who helped make sure today was a safe and enjoyable affair for a vast majority of those concerned.’
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.’
Another video shared online shows the moment a police van arrives to a brawl which has spilled out of the Piccadilly Tavern.
Men can be seen running to the entrance of the pub, appearing to join the fight, while the police vehicle pulls up with its sirens blaring.
Police warned on Twitter: ‘There have been isolated incidents of disorder in the city ahead of this afternoon’s game at Old Trafford and we have worked closely with licensed premises to ensure we could act swiftly to negate any incidents of concern and move people on safely.’
Video shared online appears to show a fight spilling out of the pub ahead of Man Utd v Leeds clash at Old Trafford Saturday
Some 200 police officers are on patrol in Manchester today (Pictured: Arriving to scene of brawl at Piccadilly Tavern)
London Mayor Sadiq Khan watches AFC Wimbledon AFC Wimbledon v Bolton Wanderers
Crowds of football fans smiling and singing before the match at Old Trafford. Today is the first time in 17 months that the Theatre of Dreams will be at full capacity, hosting some 75,000 fans.
Officers will remain in the city for the rest of Saturday to keep disruption to a minimum, the force added
Manchester United fans during the Premier League match between Manchester United and Leeds United at Old Trafford
Manchester United fans react during the Premier League match between Manchester United and Leeds United at Old Trafford
Aston Villa fans show their support during the Premier League match between Watford and Aston Villa at Vicarage Road
Leicester City fans wave flags on their return to the King Power stadium for their Premier League clash with Wolves
Fans applaud staff from an NHS Trust at half time during the Premier League match at Vicarage Road, Watford
Manchester United fans react during the Premier League match between Manchester United and Leeds United at Old Trafford
Cesar Azpilicueta of Chelsea applauds the fans during the Premier League match between Chelsea and Crystal Palace at Stamford Bridge
Wolverhampton Wanderers fans show their support during the Premier League match between Leicester City and Wolverhampton Wanderers at The King Power Stadium
Chelsea fans watch on as their side take on Crystal Palace at Stamford Bridge
Fans invade the pitch as Everton’s French midfielder Abdoulaye Doucoure (unseen) is mobbed by teammates after scoring their second goal during the English Premier League football match between Everton and Southampton at Goodison Park
A Crystal Palace fan gestures towards the Chelsea fans during the English Premier League football match between Chelsea and Crystal Palace at Stamford Bridge
Chelsea fans applaud the players at the end of the Premier League match at Stamford Bridge
Fans show their support prior to the Premier League match between Norwich City and Liverpool at Carrow Road
Chelsea fans return to Stamford Bridge in numbers following a year and a half of lockdown restrictions
Fans of Leicester City celebrate after the Premier League match between Leicester City and Wolverhampton Wanderers at The King Power Stadium
Norwich City fans in the stands during the Premier League match at Carrow Road
Chelsea fans return to Stamford Bridge in numbers following a year and a half of lockdown restrictions
Fans of Leicester City celebrate after the Premier League match between Leicester City and Wolverhampton Wanderers at The King Power Stadium
‘It’s worth a reminder that successful prosecution can lead to a two-year football banning order.’
Officers will remain in the city for the rest of Saturday to keep disruption to a minimum, the force added.
Today is the first time in 17 months that the Theatre of Dreams was at full capacity, hosting some 75,000 fans.
But scenes of brawls have put a dampener on the otherwise celebratory return of the Premier League.
It comes after police on Friday pleaded with fans to behave responsibly, announcing that 200 officers would be on duty across Manchester.
Chief superintendent Stuart Ellison, Greater Manchester Police’s gold commander for public order operations, said: ‘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.
‘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.’