• Premier League

Chelsea and Leeds to receive police warning

ESPN staff
December 19, 2012
Rafa Benitez will face Neil Warnock on Wednesday © Getty Images
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Police have issued a warning to players, managers and supporters of Leeds and Chelsea ahead of their Capital One Cup quarter-final clash on Wednesday evening.

The Elland Road fixture is expected to be played in a heated atmosphere thanks to a long-standing rivalry between the two teams and an ongoing feud between respective managers Neil Warnock and Rafael Benitez. Police have moved to diffuse the situation by approaching the clubs in advance.

"I'll ask the managers of both teams to speak to the players and ask them to avoid doing anything which may antagonise supporters from the opposition team," Chief Supt Paul Money, of West Yorkshire Police told The Sun.

"We want the focus of the day to be action on the pitch - and for it not to be overshadowed by violence or disorder.

"We want to see both sets of fans enjoy what will be an exciting match and I'd ask responsible fans, who make up the vast majority, to not allow the minority of unruly fans to spoil the game."

Warnock has previously said he will "never forgive" Benitez for fielding what he deemed a weakened team in Liverpool's final away game of the 2007 season against Fulham.

Managing Sheffield United at the time, the Blades needed Benitez's Reds to get a result against Fulham, who were in the relegation zone. The Whites won the game 1-0, a result which saw them survive at the expense of United.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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