BBC Home
Explore the BBC
BBC News
Launch consoleBBC NEWS CHANNEL
Last Updated:  Friday, 21 February, 2003, 11:44 GMT
Pubs close to stop match trouble
Police have asked licensees to open pubs later to prevent trouble at a football match in Greater Manchester.

The helicopter, mounted unit and surveillance teams will police the match between Manchester United and Bolton Wanderers on Saturday.

Greater Manchester Police has asked pubs near to Wanderer's Reebok stadium not to open before the match to stop any alcohol-fuelled violence.

Superintendent Alan Greene, from Bolton police, said: "We are expecting thousands of people to travel to Bolton for an enjoyable game of football and I am confident the majority of those are not out to cause trouble.

"However, there are a small number of fans who may be intent on trouble.

"I want to send a clear message to those people that violent behaviour is not acceptable."



LINKS TO MORE ENGLAND STORIES


 

SEE ALSO:


INTERNET LINKS:
The BBC is not responsible for the content of external internet sites


PRODUCTS AND SERVICES

News Front Page | World | UK | England | Northern Ireland | Scotland | Wales | Politics
Business | Entertainment | Science/Nature | Technology | Health | Education
Have Your Say | Magazine | In Pictures | Week at a Glance | Country Profiles | In Depth | Programmes
Americas Africa Europe Middle East South Asia Asia Pacific