Manchester derby fears mount after more arrests

01-27-2010

MANCHESTER, England — Manchester police have made eight new arrests in connection with crowd trouble at last week's match between Manchester City and Manchester United.

The arrests, made on Tuesday and Wednesday, bring to 26 the total number of fans charged with public order offences at the League Cup semi-final first leg between the two clubs, and increased concern over the potential for similar incidents at Wednesday evening's return match at Old Trafford.

Darts and golf balls were among missiles confiscated from fans attempting to enter the City of Manchester stadium for the first leg. The latest arrests follow the release of closed circuit television images of individuals suspected of attempting to incite violence inside the ground.

Detective Chief Inspector Mark Roters said he hoped the arrests would act as a deterrent to any fans contemplating misbehaviour at Old Trafford.

"These arrests also act as a strong warning ahead of the reverse leg this evening to anyone prepared to get involved in this type of behaviour that we will come after you," the officer said.

The rivalry between United and City has intensified this season as City, who have lived in the shadow of their more successful neighbours for decades, have emerged as serious rivals for silverware thanks to the financial backing of the club's Abu Dhabi owners.

City won the first-leg 2-1 with both their goals scored by Carlos Tevez, the former United forward. Tevez's celebration of his opening goal ignited a public spat with his former team-mate Gary Neville which police fear could serve to inflame the atmosphere at the second leg.