Council urges ticketless Celtic fans to 'stay away' from Manchester » Communities » 24dash.com

Celtic fans without a ticket for next week's Uefa Champions League tie against Manchester United were urged today not to travel to the city.

Police and council chiefs in Manchester said they were looking forward to welcoming Hoops supporters but that only ticket holders should make the journey.

The Champions League group game takes place on Tuesday October 21 at Old Trafford.

In May, Manchester played host to fans of Old Firm rivals Rangers as they took on Zenit St Petersburg in the Uefa Cup final at the City of Manchester Stadium - home of United's rivals Manchester City.

The match was marred by violence on the city streets which saw 15 police officers injured and 42 arrests.

Celtic said 3,700 supporters have tickets for Tuesday's game.

Police said a ban on street drinking would be enforced and no facilities made available for fans without tickets to watch the game.

A statement by Manchester City Council leader Sir Richard Leese, Chief Superintendent Gerry Donnellan of Greater Manchester Police and Manchester United chief executive David Gill said: "We're a city that's passionate about football with a proud reputation for hospitality.

"In return, we are sure that Celtic fans will want to uphold the great reputation of the club and its travelling supporters.

"Along with Celtic, we are urging supporters who do not have tickets not to travel to the city.

"Ticketless supporters will not be able to get into the game and facilities will not be provided for fans to watch the match elsewhere."

The message to fans said: "We promise to show the greatest respect to visiting Celtic fans and are sure that they will respond in kind by helping keep our streets litter-free and abiding by local by-laws.

"These laws obviously include a ban covering on-street drinking and this will be enforced."