Tottenham vs Millwall

London, March 11: Mauricio Pochettino has pleaded with Tottenham and Millwall fans to keep the peace when the London rivals clash in a potentially volatile FA Cup quarterfinal on Sunday.

Since being drawn to face Millwall at White Hart Lane, Tottenham officials have been liasing with police in a bid to a keep a lid on the hooligan gangs threatening to run riot in north London.

There is a history of animosity between the two sets of supporters dating back to violent clashes in the 1970s and the last meeting between the teams was marred by fighting before and after a 2001 pre-season fixture.

While Millwall have done everything in their power to rid themselves of the lunatic fringe that made the club so notorious in the heyday of football hooliganism, there is still a section that revel in that reputation.

Millwall were the subject of an investigation after on

hundreds of fans invaded the pitch after their FA Cup fifth round win over Leicester last month.

There were several arrests as missiles were thrown and police on horses were brought in to restore order.

Serious disorder marred Millwall’s last long run in the FA Cup when fans battled police and fought among themselves during a 2013 semi-final at Wembley.

Police, club officials and supporters groups from both teams met on Wednesday to talk over security arrangements for a fixture categorised as having a ‘high risk’ of violence.

Pochettino is well aware of Millwall’s image and the Tottenham manager called for cool heads to prevail on Sunday.

“For me it is the first time I face Millwall, I hear a lot of things but I hope and wait until all happens in a really good way,” Pochettino said.

“I hope nothing happens. I trust that our fans and their fans behave well, that is my wish because it is football.

“Football is to try to enjoy and for happiness and there is no sense to fight for anything. That is my wish.”