Pubs asked to close before United's FA Cup game against Leeds United

[HANDYMAN]

Greater Manchester Police ask pubs in Stretford, North Trafford to close prior to Manchester United's FA Cup tie against Leeds at Old Trafford on Sunday, January 3

PUBS in North Trafford have been asked to shut down for Manchester United's FA cup tie against Leeds United early next month, "in the interests of public safety".

Police have distributed a booklet to licensees asking them not to open their doors until 4pm on matchday, January 3, after apparently receiving intelligence reports that clashes between fans could be planned.

Kim O'Brien, landlady of O'Briens pub in Stretford, told the Messenger that the police are now seeking an injunction to stop her pub from opening after she told them that she had no intention to close. "The police want us to police the area for them," she said. "It's discrimination. It's interfering with business."

Kim said that police have told her that bars in Old Trafford Stadium will be serving alcohol between 11am and 1pm. She rang up the ground herself and said she was told that alcohol will be available throughout the match in hospitality suites.

"In 17 and a half years we have never called out the police for a match day disturbance in our pub," she told the Messenger.

A police spokesman said that pubs in the area near Old Trafford stadium have been asked to shut down voluntarily "in the interests of public safety", adding that "it's no secret about the history between Man Utd and Leeds Utd fans."
link>>>>Greater Manchester Police ask pubs in Stretford, North Trafford to close prior to Manchester United's FA Cup tie against Leeds at Old Trafford on Sunday, January 3 (From Messenger Newspapers)

[abojodeh]

Did they do that by the time of Milwall and Westham match ?

[Jazz 16]

I'll bring a bottle of whisky along so.

[AdaamMUFC]

They should of thought of that when Millwall were playing West Ham!

[maco]

cant see that happen Bishops would never close on matchday would they?

[Natalie]

booo
this better not happen

[Tom6187]

Makes sense to be honest, we all know what Leeds scum are like and there will be trouble without a doubt, hopefully not too much.

[Adam]

this will end up exacerbating the problem in my opinion. if the pubs are shut, even more people than usually will be having a few cans at the top of sir matt busby way. it's not like they can stop people from drinking, and it will just end up with more people on the streets and more chance of it kicking off. i reckon something will probably kick off in town too. the people who want to have it will do, no matter what the police do

[HANDYMAN]

They should of thought of that when Millwall were playing West Ham!

i doubt greater manchester police were even consulted about a match beteeen two london teams.

[cleavers11]

This better not happen! I'm heading over for the weekend to see the match and wanna get boozed up before I go Been 2 years since I was last as Old Trafford! YEOOOOOOOOO!

[RN10]

Its probably a good idea, leeds fans are right scummy arseholes

[antdevil78]

Love how our glorious fans can get ultra hyped up for a League One FA Cup game yet against Wolves last week it was that quiet you could hear everyone munching away on their Haribo.

Leeds or not, our current generation of fans is turning out to be a shambolic set of glory-hunters who just go for the atmos and for the "It was great...I was there" experience rather than to witness the football being played.

The pubs and clubs around Old Trafford have become as big tourist attractions as the club itself. Keep em all shut and maybe we might see a bit more atmosphere pre-match in the ground.