Greater Manchester Police have declared a State of Emergency in the city centre tonight, after fighting that broke out between rival Manchester United and Manchester City fans escalated into a full scale riot.
The trouble started at a news stand near Piccadilly Station where those leaving work were discussing the extraordinary Dimitar Berbatov transfer wrangle whilst buying their newspapers. Rival fans argued about where the Bulgarian was going to end up, and punches were thrown.
As passers-by joined in, the situation quickly got out-of-hand, and police were called. Despite being on the scene within minutes, they were unable to contain the fighting which had, by now, spread to Piccadilly Gardens, Market Street, Portland Street and inside Debenhams, in the Womens Underwear department.
Other areas of the city including Ardwick, Hulme, Longsight and Whalley Range all reported minor skirmishes, which is quite normal for a Monday night in Manchester.
Fighting is expected to continue until Berbatov decides which club he is signing for, which he has to do before midnight, when the Transfer Window slams shut.
