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Manchester City are taking on Lech Poznan in a Europa League clash – and 6,000 away fans are expected to flock to Eastlands from Poland and expatriate communities around Britain.
More than 300 police officers will be on duty as Manchester braces itself for a Polish invasion on Thursday.
Manchester City are taking on Lech Poznan in a Europa League clash – and 6,000 away fans are expected to flock to Eastlands from Poland and expatriate communities around Britain.
Greater Manchester Police say they are taking no chances and have launched a ‘highly complex’ operation to prevent trouble.
It will see unprecedented numbers of officers present for a Europa League clash – and more than were on duty at last season’s highly charged Carling Cup semi final derby against United.
Hooligan elements from some Polish clubs are notorious for rioting. While a police source told the M.E.N. there was ‘no intelligence’ to suggest gangs of thugs would be travelling, they confirmed the force would be on alert.
Around 3,000 supporters are expected to jet in from Poland. But the Blues have also been besieged with ticket requests from Poles based in Britain and – acting on police advice – have given over a separate area of the ground for expat Poznan fans.
Polish-speaking officers have been brought in from across the force.
Clashes
Police officials said they are ‘aware’ of previous incidents involving Poznan fans – including internet footage showing violent clashes.
Polish fans are expected to head to the ground from all over Britain and there are fears that supporters of the club’s domestic rivals could attempt to gain entry and cause trouble for their fellow countrymen.
City have opened up the top level of the East Stand to Poznan fans based in Britain. It seats as many as 5,500 and is usually reserved for home fans.
Last night 3,000 tickets had been sold for that section.
The 3,000 travelling from Poland will be housed in the South Stand, which is normally used to seat away fans.
Although there was no trouble when Poznan played previously in the competition – against Juventus in Italy – Thursday night’s clash is different because of the vast numbers of British-based Poles.
Supt Craig Thompson, the match commander, promised ‘swift action’ against anyone intent on causing trouble.
He said: “We know this is a fixture that both sets of fans will be looking forward to.
“The majority of people who are legitimate fans will be going to support their team and we have a responsibility to make sure everyone can enjoy the match in a safe and enjoyable atmosphere and will take swift action on anyone intent on causing trouble.”
More than 300 police officers will be on duty as Manchester braces itself for a Polish invasion on Thursday.
Manchester City are taking on Lech Poznan in a Europa League clash – and 6,000 away fans are expected to flock to Eastlands from Poland and expatriate communities around Britain.
Greater Manchester Police say they are taking no chances and have launched a ‘highly complex’ operation to prevent trouble.
It will see unprecedented numbers of officers present for a Europa League clash – and more than were on duty at last season’s highly charged Carling Cup semi final derby against United.
Hooligan elements from some Polish clubs are notorious for rioting. While a police source told the M.E.N. there was ‘no intelligence’ to suggest gangs of thugs would be travelling, they confirmed the force would be on alert.
Around 3,000 supporters are expected to jet in from Poland. But the Blues have also been besieged with ticket requests from Poles based in Britain and – acting on police advice – have given over a separate area of the ground for expat Poznan fans.
Polish-speaking officers have been brought in from across the force.
Clashes
Police officials said they are ‘aware’ of previous incidents involving Poznan fans – including internet footage showing violent clashes.
Polish fans are expected to head to the ground from all over Britain and there are fears that supporters of the club’s domestic rivals could attempt to gain entry and cause trouble for their fellow countrymen.
City have opened up the top level of the East Stand to Poznan fans based in Britain. It seats as many as 5,500 and is usually reserved for home fans.
Last night 3,000 tickets had been sold for that section.
The 3,000 travelling from Poland will be housed in the South Stand, which is normally used to seat away fans.
Although there was no trouble when Poznan played previously in the competition – against Juventus in Italy – Thursday night’s clash is different because of the vast numbers of British-based Poles.
Supt Craig Thompson, the match commander, promised ‘swift action’ against anyone intent on causing trouble.
He said: “We know this is a fixture that both sets of fans will be looking forward to.
“The majority of people who are legitimate fans will be going to support their team and we have a responsibility to make sure everyone can enjoy the match in a safe and enjoyable atmosphere and will take swift action on anyone intent on causing trouble.”