Man Utd And Leeds Fans In Violent Brawl As Punches Thrown In City Centre

MAN UTD AND LEEDS FANS CLASH BEFORE PREMIER LEAGUE MATCH

A violent brawl erupted between Manchester United and Leeds fans on Saturday morning, with punches thrown and even chairs and dustbins hurled in ugly city centre scenes

Manchester United and Leeds supporters have been filmed in a terrifying pre-match brawl ahead of their Premier League clash – with punches thrown and even a dustbin hurled.

The video, which appears to have been taken on Saturday morning, shows a large swathe of fans moving into a street before attacking each other.

Punches and chairs are thrown before one thug picks up a large dustbin and hurls it at his rival group.

Just one lone officer forces the rival groups to disperse, but sirens can be heard in the background as the events unfolded.

The ugly scenes broke out in front terrified onlookers in a nearby cafe, with one heard saying “oh my God” In disbelief.

Another is heard asking: “Are these Leeds fans?”

The brawl broke out after crowds gathered ahead of the lunchtime kick-off.

It comes just one day after police called for fans to be sensible on the opening weekend of the season.

Man Utd and Leeds fans in violent brawl as punches thrown in city centre

An officer arrived and the crowd quickly left the area

In the clip uploaded to social media, a fan can also be seen wearing a Manchester United shirt in a cafe.

In another scene outside the Piccadilly Tavern, a police van rushed to meet a crowd in a video captioned: “It’s not even 10am yet, and Leeds are kicking off in Manchester. Football is well and truly back!”

At one point a chair can be seen flying through the air

As recently as Friday, police urged those attending the game at behave responsibly with over 70,000 expected to watch on at Old Trafford.

Greater Manchester Police’s gold commander for public order operations, chief superintendent Stuart Ellison, had issued a statement.

He said: “It feels like a long time since we last had capacity crowds, but we have worked on hundreds of events in the past and our priority this weekend remains the same.

“The Premier League starts with Manchester hosting the biggest game of the weekend, 70,000 fans returning to Old Trafford to see Manchester United hosting Leeds United.

“Our officers are working extended hours this weekend to help keep the public safe. All that we ask is that you behave responsibly so everyone can enjoy themselves.”

Edet Esah

A content writer - blogger and sports analyst