PISS HEADS

Manchester's pubs warned over Scots fans

Police chiefs have urged hundreds of the city’s bars and pubs to pull down the shutters when Rangers play Manchester United in the Champions League, amid escalating concerns that at least 7,000 ticket less fans will cause booze-fuelled mayhem.

Greater Manchester Police are preparing one of their biggest-ever security operations to cope with unprecedented numbers of drunken away supporters milling around Old Trafford and the city centre on November 4.

A letter from Chief Supt Justine Curran to pubs, clubs, restaurants and hotels, seen by Scotland on Sunday, warns that: "Experience has shown that hooligan elements of football supporters can engage in organised and pre-planned disorder which has, on occasions, resulted in serious injury to individuals and considerable damage to property."

Landlords have been advised to scrap happy hours, take on more bouncers, ensure they have CCTV security cameras, and even remove "street furniture" such as chairs and tables outside pubs, which could be used as weapons in a fight.

But Curran has also urged licensees to think about closing for the night.

"Consider restricting your opening hours or employ a strict policy as to whom alcohol is sold to," she advised.