ENGLISH PREMIER LEAGUE:THE ENGLISH Football Association yesterday warned managers, players and officials from both Manchester clubs against inflaming tensions between fans ahead of the second leg of their League Cup tie, as police finalised plans for a beefed-up security operation around Old Trafford.
Both clubs will today appeal to supporters to arrive early, amid plans to search all fans on their way into the ground.
Outside the City of Manchester Stadium last week, police confiscated golf balls and darts from supporters, while Patrice Evra was struck by a lighter thrown from the crowd.
Having delivered a “final warning” to Carlos Tevez and Gary Neville and decreed that their behaviour in the first leg will be taken into account if there is a repeat tomorrow night, the FA yesterday cautioned Alex Ferguson and Roberto Mancini against provocative behaviour.
“We have spoken to both clubs and reminded them that anyone in a position of responsibility needs to be mindful of their actions,” said an FA spokesman following a meeting with police and club officials yesterday.
In light of the FA’s warning, a Manchester City spokeswoman said the message had been relayed to all players and coaching staff.
“The players and coaching staff have been reminded of the need, both on and off the pitch, to conduct themselves sensibly and in such a way as to not further raise existing tensions in the days preceding the game,” she said.
“Further communications will inform fans that searches will be carried out on all supporters of both clubs and to ask them to therefore arrive early and to be patient when waiting to gain entry to the ground.”
Greater Manchester police will have 75 extra officers on duty tomorrow night and plan to make a series of spot checks at local pubs in an effort to stop supporters carrying potential missiles into the ground.
Police made 18 arrests following the first leg and expect to make more after reviewing video evidence. They said 1,000 United fans arrived at the away end with 10 minutes to kick-off and many attempted to gain entry without tickets, while skirmishes continued after the match.
Yesterday, they released CCTV images of some of those responsible and appealed for fans to identify them.
“The people who caused the disorder are a disgrace to the vast majority of peaceful and genuine fans who simply wanted to enjoy the match,” said Superintendent Craig Thompson of North Manchester division.
The spat between Carlos Tevez and Gary Neville, which saw the pair exchange provocative gestures at the City of Manchester Stadium following the Argentinian’s winning goal, was exacerbated when Tevez referred to his former team-mate as a “boot-licking moron” in a subsequent radio interview.
Meanwhile Neville admits United face a big week as they attempt to overturn City’s advantage in the Carling Cup semi-final before facing Arsenal in a crunch league clash at the weekend.
“The fact that we played a strong team in the Carling Cup against City shows how important the match was,” said Neville. On the looming trip to Arsenal on Sunday.
He added: “It’s always difficult to go to the Emirates and Arsenal are a very good side in good form, so it’s a big week for us and one for us to look forward to.”
Guardian Service
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