Football fans are urged to behave ahead of FA Cup fourth round clash between Liverpool FC and Manchester United at Anfield





FOOTBALL fans are being urged to be on their best behaviour ahead of Saturday’s FA Cup clash.

Fans attending Anfield for the fourth round match between Liverpool FC and Manchester United are being asked to “act as ambassadors for their clubs and their cities”.

Merseyside Police’s Chief Superintendent Jon Ward said: “We are expecting a lively atmosphere at Saturday’s match, but our intention is that at the end of the day we will be talking about the game and what happened on the pitch as opposed to off the pitch.

“As always, my officers will be dealing with the fans as they would expect to be treated themselves.

“Our policing style will be firm, fair and friendly, but we will take action where necessary against those individuals who may seek to cause problems or misbehave.”

Mr Ward also said that fans should arrive at the ground as early as possible and supporters without tickets should not attend at all as they would not be allowed entry into the stadium.

He said: “At the last Liverpool v Manchester United game the behaviour of the majority of the fans was very good. We know that this match will be a busy operation and we hope that the fans will continue to act as ambassadors for their clubs and their cities and enjoy what I am sure will be a good game.”

Mr Ward also said that offensive behaviour would not be tolerated.

He said: “If it’s brought to our attention any inappropriate remarks and behaviour will be acted upon.

“We take all forms offensive behaviour seriously and we will always thoroughly investigate such claims.”

Those sentiments were echoed by Man Utd manager Alex Ferguson who appealed for calm in a letter to supporters.

He pleaded for “positive, witty and loud” support as his side attempts to reach the last 16.

He wrote: “FA Cup ties are tense affairs at the best of times. Add in the fact that Manchester United against Liverpool is the biggest game around and it becomes even more so.”


THE ECHO