Manchester a city united in making football safer for all

Greater Manchester Police (GMP) and several partners across Greater Manchester are taking proactive steps to make football safer, more welcoming and inclusive for all.

Ahead of the upcoming Manchester derby, GMP officers and partners will be out across the city to raise awareness of violence against women and girls (VAWG) and vulnerable people and share information on how fans can help prevent it.

From 10am – 1pm on matchday, GMP and several of our partners will host pop-up stalls with information along the route that a typical match going fan may make to Old Trafford, including:

• Piccadilly Station – hosted by British Transport Police, Network Rail and Manchester City Council
• Old Trafford Metrolink Stop – hosted by Transport for Greater Manchester and Trafford Council
• Old Trafford Stadium – hosted by GMP and Manchester United

These stalls will provide resources and advice on:

• Recognising the signs of VAWG and what to do if you witness it.
• Reporting options for anyone who experiences or observes harmful behaviour.
• Support services available through GMP and partner organisations.

Representatives will be on hand to speak with fans, answer questions and signpost to further help. The initiative aims to build trust through visible policing and encourage public engagement.

Progress so far

Reports of VAWG incidents at football matches have increased as awareness grows:

• 2023/24 season: 2 reports
• 2024/25 season: 28 reports
• 2025/26 season (so far): 19 reports

This rise reflects growing confidence in reporting and the impact of safeguarding work, including the first safeguarding workshop held in July 2024 with all Greater Manchester football club leads.

Chief Superintendent Colette Rose, Head of Specialist Operations, said: “Football should be safe, welcoming and inclusive for everyone. We want everyone who attends to feel confident that they can enjoy the matchday experience without fear.

“While the vast majority of women and girls enjoy football matches without issue, on the rare instances where problems occur, we want to ensure people know how to report them and that appropriate action will be taken.

“By working together with fans and partners, we are starting to make a real difference and can see the work we have been doing begin to take shape.

“This initiative aims to build trust by demonstrating visible policing and encouraging engagement from the public. We have had a joined-up approach with several of our partners to face up to this issue head on.

“Football should unite us, and that starts with creating an environment where safety is non-negotiable.”

This work forms part of a wider project that GMP is delivering to sports teams, arenas and all football clubs in Greater Manchester on safeguarding the public and staff at their venues at the end of January.

Deputy Mayor for Safer and Stronger Communities, Kate Green, said: “Every woman and girl has the right to feel safe and respected when they go out to enjoy a major sporting event.

“Our gender-based violence strategy is focused on creating safer spaces, shifting harmful attitudes and empowering everyone to step in and speak up when they see concerning behaviour.

“That’s why initiatives like this ahead of the Manchester derby are so important. It brings trusted partners into the heart of our communities, sends a clear message that abuse won’t be tolerated, and helps women and girls feel confident that they can enjoy the matchday experience without fear.

“Together with GMP, clubs, transport partners and local people, we’re working to embed a culture of respect and safety on our streets and at our events.”

Fans are encouraged to visit the stalls, learn more about the work being done and play their part in creating a safer environment.

Updates and advice will also be shared on GMP’s social media channels and website, with support from partner organisations and football clubs.

To further keep all supporters safe, we will be deploying two live facial recognition cameras at the match. This is the first time this has been done at a football match in Greater Manchester.

For more information, visit the NPCC and follow us on social media.