Police Cup final warning on Man U demo threat

Manchester United fans who might be tempted to stage a disruptive Cup Final demonstration against the takeover of their club by an American businessman were warned today that police have drawn up their plans for the game with the precision of a military campaign.

Thousands of soccer fans will stream into Cardiff for this afternoon’s big match between Manchester United and Arsenal.

South Wales Police said that threats by rogue United fans to use the match to protest at the takeover by US multi-millionaire Malcolm Glazer had added “spice” to their preparations.

Senior police officers said they would be ready for any eventuality and intended to make sure any protests remained peaceful.

They warned that United fans intent on using the clash for a demonstration inside the stadium could end up behind bars.

Any move to “grandstand” in front of a massive worldwide TV audience would be met with immediate police action.

Chief Superintendent Bob Evans, divisional commander for Cardiff, said preparations were well in hand for any eventuality.

There would be no action against supporters who expressed their dislike of Mr Glazer’s takeover by wearing black arm-bands.

But immediate action would be taken against fans with ideas to develop a symbolic gesture into a demonstration inside the stadium itself, Mr Evans warned.

“Provided it is peaceful and outside the stadium that is fine, but we will not tolerate any sign of demonstration inside the stadium.”

More than 70,000 soccer fans are heading for the Welsh capital for the traditional and historic climax of the English footballing calendar.

Manchester United captain Roy Keane has predicted that the match, which kicks-off at 3pm, could be a classic.

“I know sometimes FA Cup Finals can be a bit of an anti-climax. But I think this game will be explosive,” he told the club’s official website.

United fans, and their Arsenal counterparts, will be segregated from an early point as they stream off the M4 at separate exits.

Coaches, limousines and mini-buses carrying Arsenal fans will be signalled off the M4 at junction 32. Cars will leave at junction 29 and directed to city park and ride facilities.

Manchester United fans coming by coach, limo or mini-bus leave at junction 28. Cars are directed to junction 33 then on to separate park and ride facilities.

Cardiff County Council urged all visitors to arrive early and be aware that the city centre will be closed to traffic throughout the day.

Mr Evans said: “We have got a clear segregation plan whereby you follow your signs into your own part of the city.

“There are ample bars and restaurants on the north and south sides of the stadium and the idea is to minimise any potential conflict.”

He said the city’s carnival atmosphere on big match days was something he hoped everyone would enjoy and be a part of.

He warned that plain clothes officers would be mingling with the crowds and any sign of protest inside the stadium would be dealt with immediately.

Police will monitor roads and the city centre on up to 30 CCTV screens from Cardiff County Council’s surveillance complex in the bay area.

Early signs of trouble will be picked up and dealt with before it can spread or get out of hand.

Fans travelling to Cardiff by train will arrive within a two minute walk of the stadium and find the area they pass through pedestrianised for the duration.

Even the AA has launched a special Cup Final breakdown service for supporters, and dubbed it the “Fan Assist”.

AA chiefs have a crack team of breakdown specialists on “high alert” over the weekend to ensure fans can get too and from the match.

The team will be out patrolling the M4 and M5 from early today so that even if a car in AA membership does not make it to Cardiff the fans it carries will.

“Patrols along the route have been briefed to ensure that fans motoring to the match catch every minute of the action,” an AA spokesman said.

Steve Dewey, AA road services director, said: “We have been helping football fans get to the match for the past 100 years.

“This year we thought we’d make a real effort to make sure Arsenal and Manchester United fans don't miss any of the action because of a breakdown.”