Jose Mourinho and Pep Guardiola's feud sparks extra police attention as United and City clash in Manchester derby
Officers will be briefed on the pair's fiery relationship and the consequences it could have on fans
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Your support makes all the difference.The volatile relationship between Jose Mourinho and Pep Guardiola has sparked extra police planning ahead of Saturday’s Manchester derby.
Officers on duty for the 12.30pm kick-off at Old Trafford will be briefed on the history of the explosive rivalry between the two managers, according to the Daily Mail.
Around 400 officers are expected to be on duty for the game between the two Premier League title favourites and police fear that the already existing animosity between Manchester United and Manchester City fans could be exacerbated by Mourinho and Guardiola’s arrivals in the North West.
A source told the Daily Mail: “There is no intelligence to suggest that there will be mass disorder.
“And while it does not necessarily affect the risk element, police are aware of the Jose Mourinho/Pep Guardiola rivalry and that the arrival of the new managers and their own rivalry could bring heightened tension.
“No extra resources are being deployed because of it, but it's something that will be part of the review and will be relayed to officers on duty at the game.”
Chief Inspector Dean Howard of Greater Manchester Police is Saturday’s match commander and he is keen to ensure the game is enjoyed for what happens on the pitch rather than be soured by a minority fans.
“This is arguably the biggest game of the season so far and no doubt will have the eyes of the world watching,” he said.
“The vast majority of supporters are law-abiding members of the public and we hope all those in attendance enjoy the game in a competitive but safe atmosphere.”
The rivalry began when Mourinho’s Inter Milan knocked Guardiola’s Barcelona out of the Champions League in 2009 before they went head-to-head domestically when the Portuguese joined Real Madrid.
The competitive nature between the two turned ugly after a war of words and culminated in a touchline brawl where Mourinho poked Guardiola’s assistant Tito Vilanova in the eye after a strong tackle from Marcelo on Cesc Fabregas.
However, the police will not speak to either of the managers or coaching teams about their touchline behaviour during the game.
In addition, every member of United’s security team charged with making searches of the stadium has been retrained after the final game of last season was called off and the stadium evacuated following the discovery of a fake bomb which was left on a training exercise.
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