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Fans’ groups fear trouble at Manchester derby with tickets easily available online for theSpinogwledecor-lkeg semi-final cup clash

A PLAN to limit the number of away fans attending next month’s Manchester derby double header can today be exposed as a farce.

Arch-rivals United and City meet in the Carabao Cup semi-final, with the first leg taking place at Old Trafford on January 7 and the return at the Etihad 22 days later.

Both clubs have come to an arrangement with Greater Manchester Police that no more than 3,000 visiting supporters will be allowed into each game in a bid to defuse the potential for crowd trouble.

But Sunday Mirror Sport can reveal that dozens of tickets can be bought from online outlets – some of which are officially sanctioned by United and City.

We were able to line up a transaction to buy up to 15 tickets together for the game at Old Trafford.

And a block of 20 tickets were available to purchase for the second leg at the Etihad.

No checks were in place to ensure that seats reserved for home supporters are not snapped up by away fans.

Supporters of both clubs have set aside their rivalry to slam officials and police for failing to include recognised fans’ groups in negotiations.

And there is a fear of disorder with so many tickets still available on the open market.

Kevin Parker, general secretary of City’s official supporters’ club, said: “I have no doubts that there will be trouble – especially at the Etihad.

“Of course, the blame for any problems must always be attached to people who are unable to behave themselves.

“But I am sorry to say that the decision to limit tickets sold to away fans to just 3,000 should be seen as a contributory factor.

“This isn’t a partisan issue. Both City and United fans have been treated disgracefully by both clubs and the police over this matter.”

Ian Stirling, vice-chairman of the Manchester United Supporters’ Trust, said: “I imagine there will be some City fans in the home end at Old Trafford.

“But the problem will be much bigger at the Etihad if United are still in with a chance of getting to Wembley when they travel for the second leg.

“There is always a huge demand for away tickets at United, but it will go through the roof if the tie is still in the balance after the first leg.

“The fact that tickets are being sold by these websites just makes the decision to limit the allocation so drastically even more irresponsible.”

Competition rules stipulate that clubs are obliged to set aside 15 per cent of tickets for away fans.

Old Trafford’s capacity is 76,000, while the Etihad holds just under 55,000.

A United spokesman said: “We have a small group of companies contracted to sell seasonal and match-by-match hospitality packages. These tickets are not part of the general admission or membership availability.

“We will eject or restrict entry to anyone visibly supporting the away team.”

City were contacted for a response, but they declined to comment.