Rangers fans in violent Old Trafford clashes after getting home end tickets
A huge crowd of Rangers fans were seen marching through the city centre with a police escort earlier in the evening
Chaos erupted at Old Trafford as Rangers fans clashed with Manchester United supporters inside the stadium. Disturbing videos show violent scenes from Thursday night's Europa League match, with several altercations within the home side of the stadium.
It came after Rangers fans managed to get tickets in the United home end. In one encounter captured on camera, fans can be seen pummelling a man in a black jacket, who attempts to fight back before being pursued down flights of stairs. Another clip highlights mayhem amongst spectators as fists fly vigorously towards an individual amidst the crowd, reports the Daily Record.
Manchester United released a statement on Rangers fans getting home tickets last night, confirming that 'strict measures' had been put into place to block away supporters from obtaining tickets among their own ranks and promised to impose serious penalties on any culprits identified as having sold their tickets unlawfully.
A spokesperson for the club stated: "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."
Fans brawl in the stands.
"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 unauthorised touting of tickets has become more difficult since our introduction of in-app digital ticketing, it cannot be completely eliminated.
"All examples of away fans in home areas will be investigated over the coming days, with the strongest possible sanctions taken against the registered holders."
Police locked down the road in Manchester after trouble flared. (Image: MEN)
Before the game, a massive throng of Rangers supporters was spotted marching through city streets under police escort prior to the match. Videos captured officers accompanying the Rangers contingent as they chanted and set off flares, while a group of ultras clad in black spearheaded the march towards the stadium.
There were incidents involving balaclava-wearing groups confronting police and hurling bottles at them. The unrest erupted on Great Ancoats Street as fans from both sides headed to the stadium.
Stewards stepped in as rival fans clashed in the stands after the final whistle.
Several police vehicles cordoned off the area as a gang dressed in black, faces obscured by balaclavas, launched bottles. Footage revealed the mob surging down the street amid the sound of sirens and breaking glass.
A number of arrests were made following the disturbances on Great Ancoats Street.
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