Police planning major operation with Manchester City set to win the Premier League title against Manchester United in late Saturday kick-off
Police are planning a major operation in the event that Manchester City win the Premier League title by beating derby rivals United.
* Pep Guardiola's side face Jose Mourinho's side at the Etihad Stadium on April 7
* The match takes places at 5.30pm and so there is potential for flashpoints
* Divisions across Greater Manchester are likely to have more officers on patrol
The two sides clash at the Etihad Stadium on April 7 and there is an increasing likelihood that victory for Pep Guardiola’s men could see them lift the trophy in front of their cross-town enemy.
Given that the match takes place at 5.30pm on Saturday, the potential for flashpoints in the city centre and around the region has prompted discussions to take place between officers and both clubs.
Sportsmail understands that many divisions across Greater Manchester are likely to have additional officers on patrol with attention being paid to pubs where fans of both sides will watch the action on television.
Extra numbers will also be drafted into the city centre given a win for City would likely see supporters flock to its squares and bars to celebrate.
City are currently 16 points ahead of United. Both have two league games to play before they meet. City travel to Stoke City and Everton while United host Liverpool and Swansea City.
Pep Guardiola's Manchester City could win the Premier League by beating derby rivals United. The two sides clash at the Etihad Stadium on April 7 and police are planning a major operation. Guardiola's side are currently 16 points ahead of Jose Mourinho's United in the league table
Should the gap remain at 16 points, it would mean that victory for City would extend that lead to 19 points with six matches to be played.
In recent years, derby matches have seen improved behaviour with few instances of trouble and there is no intelligence to suggest that ‘risk groups’ are planning trouble.
However, Greater Manchester Police are aware of what may be at stake and have responded accordingly. The timing of the fixture also adds to what may well be a complex operation with many of those attending the match likely to spend hours in pubs before kick-off.
Given that it takes place late on a Saturday, officers will also have to contend with the thousands of revellers heading into the city centre for a night out.
Police are planning an operation similar to those put into play when European fixtures are held in Manchester and when visiting supporters gather in city centre bars before heading out to the ground. This would see two phases – one in the city centre and one in and around the stadium.
As revealed by Sportsmail, City have already been in discussions with Manchester council over a victory parade should they add the Premier League title to their Carabao Cup success.
However, much could depend on their Champions League progress as May 26, the date of the final, is under consideration.
At a recent surprise lunch in the restaurant at the club’s academy Guardiola, who brought the Carabao Cup trophy, told prosecco-swigging staff that winning the domestic title was the priority and warned that the fight was not over.
Superintendent Chris Hill, of GMP’s City of Manchester team, said: ‘Planning is already well underway for the Manchester derby and the prospect of Manchester City winning the Premier League title is part of that.
'Should that transpire, extra officers will be drafted into patrols around Greater Manchester and the city centre itself. Behaviour of both sets of supporters has been excellent in recent years and we believe this will remain the case – although should a minority decide to try and cause trouble they will be dealt with effectively.’
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