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Police have sent personal letters to 40 suspected football hooligans ahead of the Manchester derby.
The letters warn them they are being watched, and will be prosecuted if they are caught causing trouble.
More than 100 thugs – 76 United fans and 48 City – have already been banned from the vital Old Trafford clash.
The letter campaign was the idea of Chief Supt Mark Roberts. He said: “Some will see it as a badge of honour, some will just screw it up and put it in the bin, but for others, it will have the desired effect.”
It is the first time police have written to suspected hooligans in this way. Video evidence has helped officers build profiles on yobs associated with the two clubs.
Three hundred police, including dog handlers, mounted officers and video intelligence--gathering teams will be on duty, with pictures flashed back to HQ for assessment.
And Chf Supt Roberts warned yobs could find police waiting outside their homes ready to arrest them when they get back from Saturday’s match – the 157th derby.
He said: “The vast majority of fans will come to the game hoping to enjoy themselves and enjoy a great game of football and we will being doing our level best to ensure that will be the case. We do not want the atmosphere ruined by the minority.”
In one letter, Chf Supt Roberts writes: “I am aware that you continue to associate with individuals at football matches who I believe seek to cause disorder.
“You are obviously aware of the dangers of engaging in this activity as you yourself had to dial 999 to seek police assistance having been chased at Bolton. “As such you will be aware of the unpleasant and cowardly nature of football related disorder.”
Officers delivered another of the police chief's letters to the home of a man with a double life.
The businessman dresses in a smart suit and drives an executive car. But for Reds matches he changes into all-black clothing to be part of United's 'Men in Black' gang who are constantly under police surveillance following violent clashes with fans from other clubs.
The Chf Supt's letter says: “I would ask you to reflect on the potential consequences of continuing to associate with such individuals who, together with yourself, will be closely monitored by the police at football matches.”
Police will meet club officials ahead of the game and will ask them to pass on to the players the need for them to act responsibly.
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