Manchester United and Leeds fans batter each other with chairs in brawl

Ahead of their first match of the EPL season, some Manchester United and Leeds fans fought each other in the street in wild scenes.

Football hooligans battered each other with chairs during a mass brawl before Manchester United’s clash with Leeds today.

Shocking footage shows rival fans fighting outside Caffe Nero in Manchester city centre on Saturday (AEST).

Terrified members of the public and cafe staff can be seen locking the doors and staring as the fans fight in the street, ahead of the first Premier League Saturday kick off of the year.

A group of up to 30 fans were caught on camera fighting a running battle in the street, with eyewitnesses asking “are these Leeds fans”.

In a second video dozens of fans could also be seen brawling outside a city centre pub before kick-off at Old Trafford.

The game will see a full capacity stadium for the first time since the pandemic began.

Police vans rushed to the scene after thugs stole chairs from outside seating areas and launched them at each other.

“It was a massive brawl. I had to run to the door to lock them,” a Caffe Nero worker said.

“We kept the customers inside, it seems as though it was football related.

“There were kids about and it was a bit scary so we just locked the doors.”

Greater Manchester Police confirmed that there have been no arrests as of yet despite the disorder.

A spokesman for the force said: “Patrols in the city centre have been made aware of some isolated incidents of disorder at premises in the area.”

Manchester United and Leeds fans were fighting in the street before their EPL match.

“We’re working closely with those premises to support licensees at the early signs of any disorder and negate it as swiftly as possible.

“Our priority is to escort people to the stadium in a safe manner and to ensure minimal disruption for the wider public.

“No arrests have been made.

“We’ll have an increased police presence out and about this weekend with a number of events expected to take place across the city region.

“Anyone with concerns or just passing by, do speak to our officers who will be visible around the city working to keep you safe.”

This article originally appeared in The Sun and has been republished with permission.

Originally published as Manchester United and Leeds fans batter each other with chairs in brawl