Police have confirmed that three individuals were arrested following a fight outside Etihad Stadium after the high-profile clash between Manchester City and Arsenal on Sunday, 19 April.
The match, billed as a decisive encounter in the title race, drew significant attention both on and off the pitch.
While most supporters departed without incident after witnessing what authorities described as an “exciting top-of-the-table clash”, scenes outside the stadium later descended into disorder involving a small number of fans.
Disorder breaks out after full-time
Video clips circulating on social media captured tense moments on Ashton New Road shortly after the final whistle.
The footage appeared to show police officers detaining several individuals amid a chaotic atmosphere, as crowds of supporters made their way away from the stadium.
In one clip, officers could be heard shouting commands as they restrained a man wearing a Manchester City shirt against a fence. The situation unfolded quickly, with nearby fans pausing to observe as authorities attempted to regain control.
Another piece of footage showed a separate confrontation involving a man and a police officer, with the pair engaged in a brief struggle.
Around them, other matchgoers continued their journey home, highlighting how the disorder was limited to specific pockets rather than widespread across the area.
Eyewitness accounts suggested that tensions had been building between rival supporters in the moments after the match.
The fixture itself carried added intensity due to its significance in the league standings, and that competitive edge appeared to spill over beyond the stadium environment.
Despite the incidents, there was no indication of large-scale violence, and the majority of fans were not affected.
Police presence in the area was already heightened due to the scale of the event, allowing officers to respond quickly when the disturbances began.
Police response and official statement
In a statement released after the incident, Greater Manchester Police outlined the circumstances that led to the arrests and emphasised that the disorder involved only a minority of attendees.
A spokesperson said: “The vast majority of supporters attending the fixture witnessed an exciting top-of-the-table clash and made their way home safely following the match.
“Unfortunately, a small number of individuals were involved in isolated pockets of disorder on Ashton New Road after the game, where rival fans were goading one another.
“Officers intervened to prevent the situation escalating and three arrests were made.
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“Anti-social, hateful and disorderly behaviour has no place in football or within our communities.
“Greater Manchester Police continues to work closely with partners to identify and address the actions of the small minority who do not behave responsibly, including seeking Football Banning Orders where necessary.”
The statement underlined the proactive steps taken by officers, who intervened when they observed rival supporters provoking one another.
According to police, this intervention prevented the situation from developing into a more serious confrontation.
Authorities have also reiterated their commitment to maintaining safety at football events, particularly fixtures of this magnitude.
Matches involving teams competing at the top of the table often attract heightened emotions, making crowd management a key priority for policing teams.
