World Cup football screen behaviour warning

Police in Manchester are warning football fans they will crack down on any violent behaviour at big screen events during the World Cup.

Large numbers of people are expected to travel into the city to watch matches in pubs or large screens, including a 17,500 capacity site in Castlefield.

Authorities said they were confident there would be no repeat of the so-called Rangers riot in 2008.

But they are urging people to report troublemakers or suspicious behaviour.

Greater Manchester Police has been planning the policing operation for months in conjunction with other authorities.

Extra officers, including mounted police and dog handlers, will be in town and city centres before, during and after all England matches.

Ch Con Dave Thompson said: "If people step out of line either at home in terms of any domestic abuse issues, or getting involved in any trouble on the streets, we'll deal with that firmly.

"And if that's any event where football is screened we will actively seek a Football Banning Order against people.

"But also we are asking people to keep their eyes and ears open during the World Cup, just to make sure everybody is safe, because of course we want to protect everybody from any risk.

"And potentially terrorism is a risk at large screen events as well."

A special fan zone set up in Castlefield will be the only open-air place to watch England matches in the city centre, and is a ticket-only venue.

Councillor Pat Karney, of Manchester City Council, said all precautions were in place to ensure a "family atmosphere".

"I think its going to be a huge success, I think its going to be fantastic," he said.