Police praise Leeds fans after Man Utd triumph

The bitter rivals met for the first time in five years for the hotly-anticipated FA Cup third round tie at Old Trafford, and officers were braced for trouble.

But Greater Manchester Police said the "high risk" encounter passed relatively peacefully, with a "low number" of arrests.

Four men, aged 38, 41, 49 and 42, were arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to commit violent disorder at the Victoria Hotel pub, Withington.

A fifth man, aged 26, was arrested for a public order offence at the Sedge Lynn pub, Chorlton.

Assistant Chief Constable Garry Shewan, said: "The low number of arrests is testament to the excellent work of all those involved and a true reflection of the impeccable behaviour from both sets of fans."

The police force mounted a huge security operation and had been preparing for the match for several weeks.

More than 8,000 Leeds fans descended on the city for the game, which saw Leeds knock out Manchester United in a surprise 1-0 victory.

The away fans were marched back to railway stations after the match by hundreds of officers in order to prevent trouble.

Superintendent John Graves, the match commander, had warned fans they would be arrested if they arrived at the stadium drunk.

He asked local pubs and off-licences to limit their sales and opening times, and advised coach operators of the dangers of transporting drunken fans.

Both clubs liaised with the Football Association and police forces in Greater Manchester and West Yorkshire in an attempt to stop trouble, he added.