Police on hooligan alert
POLICE will launch a large- scale security operation for England’s friendly with Turkey tomorrow — after the last match between the two in this country saw more than 100 arrests.
Officers in Manchester are expecting hooligans from a number of clubs to be in the city before the 5.15pm kick-off at the Etihad Stadium and have planned accordingly. The police presence will be bigger than that deployed for a Manchester derby, with hundreds of officers on duty.
Supporters from both Manchester clubs, Leeds United, Stoke City and a number of lower-league outfits are likely to attend the fixture.
Another headache for officials is the worry that a small number of Turkey fans may have purchased tickets for England sections of the stadium. As revealed by Sportsmail, the Turkish Football Federation initially put tickets on sale as part of a package in which supporters also had to buy a new jersey.
Sales were poor, which led to worries that fans with relatives in England had bought seats in home areas to avoid having to pay for the shirt. Around 2,000 visiting fans are expected, despite Turkey receiving an initial allocation of 7,000.
The two countries have not met since 2003, when the FA declined to take up their ticket allocation for a 0-0 draw in Istanbul. That was after the first match at Sunderland’s Stadium of Light saw 106 arrests when thugs launched car wheel trims and bar stools at police, with trouble breaking out before, during and after England’s 2-0 victory.
Tension relates to a series of clashes between fans of English and Turkish clubs throughout the 1990s and early part of this century.
In 2000, two Leeds fans were stabbed to death in Istanbul before their UEFA Cup semi-final with Galatasaray and the match in Sunderland took place amid a backdrop of ill-feeling three years later.
The proximity of Leeds to Manchester, the kick- off time and the fact the league season has ended — giving fans of domestic clubs a chance to settle scores — have all been considered by Greater Manchester Police.
Armed officers will be on standby, while the force’s helicopter will also be used.
The friendly takes place on the same day as the Great Manchester Run, which is expected to see 40,000 competitors cheered on by 70,000 spectators.
Assistant Chief Constable John O’Hare, who will be overseeing the operation, said: ‘We have extensive experience of dealing with highprofile events and football matches. We will have sufficient resources deployed to ensure those visiting Manchester and attending the fixture can do so in a safe and enjoyable manner.’