Manchester United, Man City Cleared To Play Home Games On Same Night

ManU and Man City have "been cleared to play their next Capital One Cup ties at home on the same evening," according to Jamie Jackson of the London GUARDIAN. Given the respective capacities of the clubs’ stadiums, "it means up to 130,000 fans could be involved in travelling to the games and Greater Manchester police is working to avoid 'disorder.'" On Oct. 28, ManU hosts Middlesbrough at 8pm at Old Trafford, while across town Man City faces Crystal Palace at 7:45pm at the Etihad Stadium. Chief Inspector Dean Howard from Greater Manchester police’s force events unit said, "This is an unusual situation, although it is not the first time we have had this happen. Both teams played at home against different opposition on the same night in 2009, in the same competition. GMP are working with both clubs, and other partners, in an effort to minimize any disruption to local communities and reduce the risk of any disorder taking place" (GUARDIAN, 9/30).