Dozens arrested over fights at Man Utd v Rangers
Fighting broke out surrounding the fixture at Old Trafford
- Published
Dozens of football fans have been arrested after fighting broke out around Manchester United's Europa League fixture with Rangers.
Greater Manchester Police said a total of 39 arrests were made in connection with the fixture - 26 for violent disorder after fighting broke out in a street in the city centre.
The Premier League club say they are also investigating after scuffles broke out inside Old Trafford due to Rangers fans gaining tickets for the home section.
Around 4,000 travelling fans are thought to have had official tickets for the away end but it is estimated many more Rangers fans made the trip to the game, which the Ibrox side lost 2-1.
As well as the arrests for violent disorder, one person was arrested for attacking a steward, five for drug offences and three for common assault.
Other arrests were over attempts to get into the game with a forged ticket and public order offences such as "tragedy chanting", where fans sing about tragic events in the opposing team's past.
Greater Manchester Police said the violence had taken place around 18:00, two hours before kick off.
Assistant Chief Constable Chris Sykes, match commander for the game, said the "vast majority" of fans had behaved well and been able to have a "safe and enjoyable time" at the game.
Manchester United said it had taken "the strictest possible measures" to prevent Rangers fans getting tickets in the home end, including only selling them to people who were registered on the club's database before August, when the teams were drawn together.
A spokesperson added: "Whilst the unauthorised touting of tickets has become more difficult since our introduction of in-app digital ticketing, it cannot be completely eliminated.
"All examples of away fans in home areas will be investigated over the coming days, with the strongest possible sanctions taken against the registered holders."
BBC Scotland News has approached Rangers for comment.
Manchester United won the match with a dramatic late Bruno Fernandes goal in injury time, just moments after Cyriel Dessers had drawn the visitors level.