Greater Manchester Police (GMP) have labelled the Manchester derby on Sunday, March 3, as a “successful event”.
53,000 fans attended the match with only 15 people arrested as a result of police proactivity and concerns raised by members of the public.
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#THANKYOU | GMP would like to thank football fans for a successful Manchester derby.
Of the 53,000 people in attendance on Sunday (March 3), 15 people were arrested, with 2 dearrested and 13 taken into custody.
Read the full story here ➡️ https://t.co/VdC76kAJlz pic.twitter.com/zqhOzKmPbw
— Greater Manchester Police (@gmpolice) March 6, 2024
‘Safety and enjoyment’ of supporters ensured
In a statement released by Greater Manchester Police, they said: “GMP ensured the safety and enjoyment of all spectators and the public, not only at the Etihad Stadium but also on travel networks, in Manchester City Centre, and other key locations where the public gathered to watch the highly anticipated contest.”
The match resulted in a 3-1 victory for Manchester City, thanks to a brace from Phil Foden and a late goal from Premier League top scorer, Erling Haaland. Marcus Rashford scored the first goal of the game as Manchester United succumbed to another defeat.
FULL-TIME | MANCHESTER IS BLUE! 🩵
🩵 3-1 🔴 #ManCity | @okx pic.twitter.com/NJrOU29dkc
— Manchester City (@ManCity) March 3, 2024
15 people arrested on day of Manchester derby
Greater Manchester Police also released figures about the total number of arrests before, during and after the match.
Fifteen fans were arrested with two dearrested and 13 taken into custody. The GMP listed the offences in their statement, which were as follows:
- 5 on suspicion of drug offences
- 5 on suspicion of assault
- 2 on suspicion of tragedy chanting
- 1 on suspicion of possession of a firework/flare at a sporting event and throwing a missile onto a football playing area. He was charged with this offence yesterday (Monday March 4) and bailed with conditions.”
Adam McNally of Bullcote Green, Royton, was the man charged for the final listed offence. He has now been bailed with conditions.
Greater Manchester Police thanks supporters for “successful event”
Superintendent Gareth Parkin, Greater Manchester Police’s commander for the event, said: “On behalf of GMP I would like to thank the vast majority of supporters of both teams who enjoyed their day responsibly and safely.
“Most of the arrests this weekend were the result of proactive policing and members of the public reporting incidents to us.
“A thorough policing operation was in place and GMP worked closely with partner agencies including local authorities, British Transport Police, Transport for Greater Manchester, and both football clubs to ensure the safety of all spectators and supporters who watched the match.
“Finally, I want to thank our partners who were involved in months of planning and helped organise a successful event.”