Cops arrest 39 after Man U-Gers battles

Pre-match trouble followed by fighting in stadium with fans in seats at home end

- EVE BEATTIE

A TOTAL of 39 football fans have been arrested following disorder between Manchester United and Rangers fans around their Europa League clash.

Officers from Greater Manchester Police said the arrests were made for a range of offences before and after the match at Old Trafford which finished 2-1 to the English club.

Violence broke out when a balaclava-clad group clashed with cops ahead of the fixture.

There was chaos on Great Ancoats Street as rival fans headed to the stadium.

A number of police vans blocked off the road as bottles were thrown.

Video footage showed the group charging down the street to the sound of sirens and glass shattering.