Dozens arrested over Manchester United vs Rangers chaos

Greater Manchester Police made dozens of arrests after chaos broke out ahead of Rangers' visit to Old Trafford last night.

Officers were drafted in as thousands of Rangers fans arrived in Manchester city centre before the Europa League game against United at Old Trafford on Thursday (January 23). Red flares were set off on Great Ancoats Street with a number of fans reportedly throwing bottles, chanting and causing passers-by to flee.

The force has now said they made a total of 39 arrests connected to last night's fixture, which included 26 from the disorder on Great Ancoats Street.

It is understood many of the arrests connected to the disorder were made to prevent any further breach of the peace.

A heavy police presence was reported in the area, with police and TAU vans present. Videos showed fans dressed in black and with face coverings on shouting 'who are ya' to police officers.

At the match, which saw United win 2-1, a number of Rangers fans were also removed from the home end, with a number caught on camera fighting.

Footage of Rangers fans chanting in a home section concourse went viral before kick-off and United fans reported that stewards warned them of their presence around the stadium.

Following the game, Manchester United said: ""In anticipation of the risks around tonight’s game, we took the strictest possible measures to prevent sales to away fans in home areas.

"Tickets were only allocated to people who existed on our database prior to the draw taking place in August. Hospitality tickets had the same restrictions applied.

"Tickets forwarded by season ticket-holders and members also had the same restrictions applied (i.e. they could only be forwarded to fans on our database prior to the draw).

"Whilst the