11 arrested after Manchester derby violence

Eleven suspected football hooligans have been arrested in connection with trouble at last week's Manchester derby, police said today.

Officers detained the fans on suspicion of conspiracy to commit violent disorder in raids yesterday and today.

Trouble flared at last Tuesday's first leg of the Carling Cup semi-final, which Manchester City won 2-1, at Eastlands.

Police hope the arrests will deter fans from misbehaving at tonight's return leg at Old Trafford.

Seven men, aged between 18 and 52, were arrested during raids across Greater Manchester, Preston, Lancashire and Bradford, Yorkshire, today.

Four other men, aged between 17 and 30, were arrested yesterday, Greater Manchester Police said.

One of the four handed himself in after spotting himself on a CCTV picture circulated by police.

Detective Chief Inspector Mark Roters, of Grey Mare Lane CID, said: "Many families, including women and young children attend football matches so it is totally incomprehensible that a small number of mindless thugs would incite violence when they are surrounded by people clearly terrified by their actions.

"Football related disorder is a stain on the game and we have been working hard with both clubs and members of the public to identify those involved.

"These arrests act as a strong warning ahead of the reverse leg this evening to anyone prepared to get involved in this type of behaviour that we will come after you."

Eighteen arrests were made last week after the match and appeals have been made by the police and the Football Association for calm ahead of tonight's game.