Hooligans told to stay away from match
Police today warned football hooligans to stay away from England's match in Manchester against Liechtenstein.
Only 112 away fans have bought tickets to tonight's European Championship qualifier at Old Trafford, meaning the vast majority of the 64,000 crowd will be English supporters.
Police are concerned that any trouble would be among supporters from rival English clubs, and over the last two weeks have sent out 170 warning letters to known hooligans warning them to stay away.
It is hoped the letters, along with the strong presence of football intelligence officers, will deter hooligans from travelling to the match or to Manchester city centre.
Chief Superintendent Dave Ryder, of Greater Manchester Police said: "Virtually everyone in the stands tonight has bought a ticket as an England supporter and their behaviour will reflect strongly on the reputation of England fans.
"The match should be a family occasion where people can come and enjoy the sport, not an opportunity for violence and inter-club rivalry.
"I would warn anyone thinking of causing disruption at tonight's game to stay away. We will respond to any sign of trouble and you are likely to be arrested and prosecuted."
Most watched News videos
- New video shows Epstein laughing and chasing young women
- Epstein describes himself as a 'tier one' sexual predator
- Buddhist monks in Thailand caught with a stash of porn
- British Airways passengers turn flight into a church service
- Skier dressed as Chewbacca brutally beaten in mass brawl
- Sarah Ferguson 'took Princesses' to see Epstein after prison
- Jenna Bush Hager in tears over disappearance of Nancy Guthrie
- Forth Bridge fireball fall into village streets
- China unveils 'Star Wars' warship that can deploy unmanned jets
- Melinda Gates says she feels immense sadness for Epstein victims
- Amazon driver's furious rant about deliveries captured on ring camera
- Authorities give update on search for Savannah Guthrie's mom
