Update: |Red flares let off across city centre ahead of Manchester derby News

More than 70,000 fans descended on the city ahead of the match

Red flares were let off across the city centre on Sunday (April 6) ahead of the Manchester Derby at Old Trafford. Police issued warnings as over 70,000 fans descended on the city ahead of the match between Manchester United and Manchester City.

Pictures and videos shared across social media showed clouds of red smoke filling the sky, with groups of supporters letting off the flares in the street and at packed-out tram stops.

The match, which kicked off at 4.30pm, was set to cause travel chaos around Manchester, with surrounding transport expected to be very busy.

Red flares let off as fans head to Manchester Derby

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Greater Manchester Police also shared their policing plan for the major event, with an increased police presence in busier locations and specialist officers will be deployed to ensure fans remain safe and can enjoy the match.

Footage taken throughout Sunday afternoon showed groups of supporters letting off red flares as they travelled to the stadium in Trafford which could be seen for miles and filling the sky.

It comes as Manchester United fans were preparing a protest against the Glazers’ ownership on Sunday afternoon. United have protested against the American family since their controversial leveraged buyout in 2005, and the pressure has mounted in the last decade amid declining standards at the club.

The ‘1958’ Manchester United fans’ group also planned a ‘sit-in’ protest after the Manchester derby and have urged all supporters to take part.

Earlier in the day, police urged people to take precautions when planning their journeys, and have warned people to drink responsibly.

Chief Superintendent Colette Rose, head of Special Operations at GMP and Gold Commander for the Manchester derby, said: “We are lucky in Manchester to have clubs with passionate fan bases represented across all football leagues – a Manchester derby especially always brings excitement as the city unites in its passions for football.

“There is a policing plan in place for Sunday – fans will notice an increased police presence in busier locations and specialist officers will be deployed to ensure fans remain safe and can enjoy the match.

“The city centre and Old Trafford areas, as well as the public transport and road networks, will be busy so we remind people of their responsibilities and, where possible, to plan your journeys and enjoy alcohol responsibly.

“We want everyone to enjoy the match – anyone with concerns can report them to a police officer or a member of security staff on the day.

“Anyone attending any match over the coming weeks can continue to report concerns directly to our officers or through 101. Always dial 999 in an emergency. Good luck to both teams this weekend.”