West Yorkshire Police are urging football fans heading to the Carling Cup tie between Leeds United and Manchester United to ensure that matters on the pitch are what make the headlines.
A large policing operation will be in place for Tuesday night’s match, with hundreds of officers on patrol in and around the ground and in the city centre to ensure supporters stay safe.
Chief Superintendent Marc Callaghan is Match Commander for the policing operation of the Category C game.
Chief Supt Callaghan said:
This is the biggest fixture of the season so far, especially because of the great rivalry between the two clubs and the fact that there has to be one winner on the night.
Our priority is to ensure everyone can enjoy the match safely by intervening early and dealing with issues in a positive manner. By dealing with any issues before they escalate, we can ensure the only talking points at the end of the match are the football.
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West Yorkshire Police’s Football Banning Unit is the most proactive team in the country, with 58 bans secured since its official launch in 2008 and nine bans already secured this season.
Any supporters – Leeds United or Manchester United – who become involved in disorder is likely to receive a similar injunction against them, preventing them from attending football matches in the UK.
And with England on the brink of qualifying for the Euro 2012, anyone who receives a ban will be prevented from attending the tournament.
Chief Supt Callaghan said:
We use Football Banning Orders to prevent the minority spoiling things for the vast majority of fanswho have no intention other than to cheer their team on and enjoy the match.
Anyone who becomes involved in disorder at this fixture is likely to receive a banning order preventing them from following their team home and away, and from attending the European Championships, so I would strongly encourage you to think twice.
Get There Early or Risk Missing the Kick-Off
The match is Leeds United’s first capacity crowd of the season, and supporters are encouraged to allow plenty of time to get to the ground before kick-off.
A special bus service offers return trips from Sovereign Street in the city centre directly to Elland Road for a small fee.
