Manchester derby FA Cup police to wear full riot gear

More than 5,700 tickets at the stadium have been allocated for United supporters

Most police officers will be wearing full riot gear for the Manchester City-Manchester United FA Cup tie on Sunday, Greater Manchester Police has said.

The match at the Etihad Stadium is classed as a Category C game - the highest security grade for any football match staged in the city.

A police spokesman said fans should be reassured by the measure.

"It is a big day for the city and we want to make sure that everyone enjoys it," added the spokesman.

The spokesman said: "A significant number of officers will be in full riot kit.

"If trouble breaks out, the officers will be prepared for it."

The spokesman said the game was Category C status because the 5,700 ticket allocation for United supporters meant there was a higher than average away crowd.

Last year's FA Cup semi-final between the clubs at Wembley saw more than 30 arrests, while a police officer was partly blinded in Manchester in April 2010 after trouble broke out following a game between the clubs.