EXCLUSIVEPolice on red alert over possibility that rival Man United and Leeds fans could descend on Wembley within 24 hours of each other… should Daniel Farke’s side beat Norwich and reach the Championship play-off final
The world of English football is bracing itself for a potentially explosive encounter between rival fans of Manchester United and Leeds, as the two teams are set to descend upon Wembley Stadium within 24 hours of each other. Manchester United will take on their arch-rivals, Manchester City, in the FA Cup final on May 25, while Leeds will face off against either West Bromwich or Southampton in the Championship play-off final on May 26, provided they can overcome Norwich at Elland Road. The prospect of these two sets of fans converging on Wembley has raised concerns among police and officials, who are aware of the long-standing and often tumultuous history between the two teams.
The rivalry between Manchester United and Leeds is one of the most intense and storied in English football, with a history of clashes between the two sets of fans dating back decades. In 2021, violent clashes broke out between supporters of the two teams in Manchester city centre, resulting in six arrests and widespread disorder. The police are keenly aware of the potential for similar trouble to erupt should the two sets of fans mix at Wembley, and are taking steps to prepare for the possibility. Hotels, bars, and restaurants in the Wembley area are also on high alert, with many fans from both Manchester United and Leeds having already booked accommodation for the Saturday night after the FA Cup final.
Despite the concerns, the Championship play-off final is scheduled to kick off at 3pm on May 26, just 24 hours after the FA Cup final. The English Football League (EFL) had requested a later kick-off time to reduce the risk of clashes between the two sets of fans, but their pleas appear to have fallen on deaf ears. The EFL’s concerns are understandable, given the potential for large numbers of fans from both teams to be in the Wembley area at the same time. With Leeds likely to be joined by thousands of fans from Yorkshire should they progress to the play-off final, the prospect of a peaceful and orderly encounter between the two sets of fans seems increasingly unlikely.
The police are taking the threat of disorder seriously, with extra officers and security measures set to be deployed in the Wembley area should Leeds progress to the play-off final. The authorities are aware that the combination of a high-stakes football match and the presence of large numbers of rival fans is a potent mix, and are determined to do everything in their power to prevent a repeat of the violent clashes that have marred previous encounters between the two teams. For the fans, the prospect of a weekend of football and revelry at Wembley is an exciting one, but it is also a reminder of the potential dangers and consequences of allowing rivalries to boil over into violence.
As the football world prepares for the FA Cup final and the Championship play-off final, the possibility of clashes between Manchester United and Leeds fans is never far from the surface. The two teams have a long and complex history, with a deep-seated rivalry that stretches back decades. While the majority of fans will be looking forward to a weekend of football and entertainment, there is a small but significant minority who will be looking to cause trouble. The police and authorities are aware of this, and will be doing everything in their power to prevent a repeat of the violent clashes that have marred previous encounters between the two teams.
In the end, the hope is that the football will be the focus of attention, rather than the rivalries and tensions that exist between the two sets of fans. Manchester United and Leeds are two of the most famous and storied clubs in English football, with a rich history and a passionate fan base. While the prospect of clashes between the two sets of fans is a concern, it is also a reminder of the intense passion and dedication that exists in the world of football. As the teams take to the pitch at Wembley, the hope is that the beautiful game will be the winner, and that the rivalries and tensions will be left to one side. With extra police and security measures in place, the authorities are confident that they can prevent any major incidents, and that the fans will be able to enjoy a weekend of football and entertainment at Wembley.
