British Transport Police (BTP) will have an “enhanced policing presence” ahead of Manchester United’s FA Cup final due to the potential overlap with Leeds United supporters occurring within a 24-hour period.
Manchester United and Manchester City will face each other on Saturday, May 25 at Wembley, while the Championship play-off final is set to take place the following day on Sunday, May 26 at the same venue.
Leeds will play in the Championship play-off final should they overcome Norwich City in the second leg semi-final on Thursday night at Elland Road.
Should they progress, it means there could be a potential clash between Manchester United and Leeds United supporters in the capital over the weekend.
The two clubs have one of English football’s fiercest rivalries, marked by numerous instances of crowd trouble through the years.
A number of Manchester United fans will be in and around London on Friday and Saturday, while some followers of Leeds United would be expected to travel the night before to stay in hotels before their potential clash on Sunday. Kick-off for the Championship play-off final is at 3pm BST.
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Although the BTP is unable to go into detail on what the policing presence will look like ahead of the events, it will be more than average.
A BTP spokesperson told The Athletic: “The safety of rail passengers remains the force’s top priority and there will be an enhanced policing presence and specialist resources deployed across the rail network throughout that weekend.
“Should they need us passengers can text us discreetly on 61016 or call 999 in an emergency.”
The Athletic has contacted the Metropolitan Police for comment.
Manchester United reached the FA Cup final after overcoming Championship side Coventry City 4-2 on penalties following a 3-3 draw after extra time.
Leeds, meanwhile, are bidding to earn promotion back to the Premier League should they beat Norwich. They will face either West Bromwich Albion or Southampton in the final.
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(Catherine Ivill/Getty Images)
