Five people arrested as FC United of Manchester take on Marine FC

Mar 28 2009 By Mark Johnson

FIVE people were arrested at Marine FC’s match against FC United of Manchester today.

Police made the alcohol related arrests before and during the game, outside of the Arriva stadium on College Road in Crosby.

The club never opened its bar for the game and the nearby Edinburgh pub was closed at 4pm following police advice, and re-opend at 5.45pm.

One further supporter was ejected from the stadium at half time.

Earlier in the day police arrested five people at Southport train station, which included FC United fans travelling in from Manchester.

Arrests were made for cannabis possession, breaking court bail conditions and for drunk and disorder.

Away fans travelling by train were advised to avoid entering Liverpool city centre and to head toward Southport where they could use the Northern Line route to get to Crosby.

The match saw the Arriva stadium’s biggest police presence in years with 21 officers, three sergeants, four mounted police, several dogs and a force helicopter deployed.

Shopkeepers near to the ground said they were closing up early to avoid any potential violence following the game.

Chief Inspector Nick Gunatilleke said: "We are happy with how the day passed off."

Marine were beaten 3-2 by the Manchester visitors.

FC United were formed in 2005 by Manchester United fans following the club's takeover by Michael Glazer.