Greater Manchester Police working with partners in preparation for all-Manchester FA Cup final

We have been working with partners to ensure this weekend’s all-Manchester FA Cup final is an enjoyable day for everyone. 

The match between Manchester City and Manchester United kicks off at 3pm at Wembley on Saturday 25 May 2024. 

Anyone travelling to London should plan their route, both to the event and back home afterwards. 

And, just like last year’s final between the same two teams, supporter coaches and travelling fans will be asked to take different routes to and from the final. 

Manchester United coaches should take the western route down the M6, with City fans taking the M1 - each club will also be asked to use designated service stations.

This information has been shared to supporter groups and coach firms.

Chief Superintendent Colette Rose, GMP's Gold Commander for the event, said: “This final promises to be a great day for our city and we want to ensure everyone enjoys the day, whether that is in Manchester or in London. 

“Supporters at last year’s final were a credit to both teams - please remember that you are representing Manchester again and that the match is not an excuse for anti-social or criminal behaviour. 

“GMP has been working closely with partners including other including the Met and West Midlands police forces, the UK Football Policing Unit and British Transport Police to ensure the day runs smoothly and that everyone can enjoy the game safely. 

“Please also only travel down to London if you have a match ticket as there are no alternative sites for fans to gather in large numbers. 

“There will be a large police presence across the city of Manchester, as we always have for high-profile events, to ensure the safety of everyone; and we will also have officers on the routes down and in London.  

“There will be officers in Manchester city centre throughout the day, right up until fans return from London.

"It doesn't matter where you are intend to watch the match - don't let a moment of poor judgement lead to a criminal prosecution or a football banning order. 

“We will take a firm approach to anyone ruining the day for the real football fans. 

“If you have any concerns please speak to one of our officers who will be more than happy to assist where possible. 

“Be safe, be responsible, look out for each other and enjoy the game.” 

The United Kingdom Football Policing Unit warned that any fans misbehaving risk a football banning order.

A spokesperson said: "Anybody committing criminal offences on the way to, during or the journey back from, the event at Wembley could, in addition to any punishment for the offence they have committed, receive a football banning order.

"These prevent those who receive the orders from attending any regulated football match in the UK or overseas.

"Please behave responsibly and do not put at risk your ability to enjoy live football events."

If you're heading out to watch the match, remember to remain vigilant. If you see anything that doesn't feel right, trust your instincts. Report online in confidence at: https://act.campaign.gov.uk/