Mass Brawl Breaks Out Between Football Fans Ahead Of Manchester Derby

Trouble has broken out on the streets of Manchester ahead of today's potentially title deciding Manchester derby.

Rival fans wearing black clashed in the city centre area of Ancoats. Around 40 or 50 people are thought to have been involved.

The fans can be seen letting off pyrotechnic devices and throwing railings, sand bags, and other missiles. At least one man has been badly beaten, knocked to the floor and then stamped on.

The video appears to show predominantly Manchester City fans and the flare that is set off is coloured blue.

The gang were met by police officers with batons as well as dog and horse units. Once the police arrived at the scene the men scattered and fled in different directions.

The incident took place in an enclosed space down the side of Bengal Street and Jersey Street. So far, we only know that one man has been arrested, but it is likely that more will have been.

Some of the men were detained and held on the ground by police.

A spokesperson for Greater Manchester Police said: "A 29-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of public order and a 28-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of affray.

"Enquiries into the full circumstances around this incident are ongoing."

A witness who lives on the street said: "It was completely quiet one minute, then the next there was all this shouting. I looked out of the window and people were fighting and throwing signs and setting off flares.

"Some had cuts and were bleeding.

"Then police came and they all ran off."

Photos from after the event have shown some of the football fans facing off with police officers carrying combat batons.

Around 20 men were kettled by police forces in a nearby street. It took around 30 officers to contain them.

Shops in the city centre have been told to stop selling alcohol as a result of the disturbance. It is not clear whether there have been any injuries at this point.

Manchester City entertain Manchester United this evening at the Etihad Stadium. If Manchester City emerge victorious they will be mathematically crowned the champions of the Premier League.

Topics: Manchester City, Police, SPORT, UK News, News, Football, Manchester United, Manchester

Tom Wood

Tom Wood is a freelance journalist and LADbible contributor. He graduated from University of London with a BA in Philosophy before studying for a Masters in Journalism at the University of Salford. He has previously written for the M.E.N Group as well as working for several top professional sports clubs. Contact him on [email protected]

@TPWagwim