Match police take no chances

Manchester Utd won the first game against the Scottish champions

Greater Manchester Police have denied being over-cautious ahead of Tuesday's Champions League clash between Rangers and Manchester United.

Hundreds of extra officers were on patrol and many Manchester city centre pubs closed their doors for 24 hours following police advice.

Rangers fans arriving for the 'Battle of Britain' game with Manchester United criticised both police and publicans.

"It's an absolute disgrace. You cannot get a drink anywhere," said one Rangers supporter in Piccadilly Gardens.

"We're not here to cause trouble. We just like to have a couple of drinks before the game but everywhere is shut. The police are treating us like second class citizens."

Out of pocket

Big city centre pubs like Yates, The Piccadilly Tavern and The Brunswick, near Piccadilly Station were all locked up ahead of Tuesday evening's kick-off.

Signs pinned to the doors of the Moon Under the Water pub, one of Deansgate's most popular pre-match haunts, apologised for the inconvenience.

Barbara Marple, whose husband Alan is the licensee, admitted the temporary closure would leave them out of pocket.

She said: "Head office took the decision following police advice. But we regret it because we will lose a lot of money."

Greater Manchester Police denied that they were being over-zealous in their approach to the game.

A spokesman said: "We have got appropriate levels of policing for the match. We have got to ensure that we have a safe and enjoyable sporting event."

The spokesman said they had not requested any licensed premises to close ahead of the game.

"We have liaised with licensed premises both at Old Trafford and in the city centre and given advice where necessary in terms of reminding licensees of their responsibilities."