Arrests amid trouble before Man Utd Rangers match

Fans were escorted by officers through the city centre

Trouble before and during Manchester United's Europa League match with Rangers saw 39 people arrested for offences including tragedy chanting and the assault of a steward.

Officers were called to reports of disorder on Great Ancoats Street, in Ancoats, Manchester, Greater Manchester Police (GMP) said.

It followed the arrival of thousands of Rangers fans to the city ahead of the match, which kicked off at 20:00 GMT at Old Trafford.

In a statement Manchester United said the "strictest possible measures" were taken to stop away fans getting tickets for home areas in the ground, after footage of violence in the stands was shared online.

Police officers were in Manchester city centre ahead of Manchester United's UEFA Europa League fixture against Rangers

About 4,000 fans came to support the Glasgow club at Old Trafford, with more than 450 officers deployed in advance of the match.

Tickets were only allocated to those already on the club database when the draw was made in August, the Manchester United spokesperson said.

They said same restrictions applied to tickets forwards by season ticket-holder and members.

"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."

A GMP spokesperson said 26 of the arrests came for violent disorder around Ancoats, where police escorted fans through the city centre.

Crowds of fans dressed in black with blue face coverings were seen flanked by officers marching through Exchange Square.

Other arrests were made over drug offences, common assault, affray and forget tickets.