Banned fans warned to stay away from semi

AHEAD of this weekend’s FA Cup semi-finals at Wembley, the police have sent warning letters to 196 football fans who currently have banning orders, warning them not to travel.

With around 64,000 fans expected to attend the clash between City and United, police have warned they will be looking to crack down on anything from drunken behaviour to ticket touting. There will also be officers looking to spot anyone with a banning order.

Banning orders are issued to fans with a record of causing football-related violence or disruption and last between three and ten years. Breach of an order can result in a six month jail sentence.

City will meet United in the first of this weekend’s FA Cup ties on Saturday following City’s 1 – 0 victory over Reading and United’s 2-0 win over Arsenal in the quarter finals. United are looking to keep their treble hopes alive with a victory over their local rivals, while City are hoping for their first trophy since 1969.

After the theft of 900 semi-final tickets, Wayne Rooney’s suspension and Carlos Tevez likely to miss the game through injury, both sides will be looking to avoid any further controversy.

The latest odds for the weekend clash, according to Betfred, are: Utd win 6/5, City win 5/2, draw after 90 minutes 23/10.