IT WAS described as the worst football violence ever to take place in Merseyside - and the most sustained attack on Liverpool's police since the Toxteth riots more than 20 years ago.
If the 500 officers on duty had any doubts there would be trouble following Saturday's match then the sight of already-bloodied Manchester United fans getting off the train at Lime Street just hours before the game surely removed them.
This was a flashback to the 1970s with a hardcore of United fans getting the "ordinary" train to try and stay out of the way of police and with one thing in mind - causing mayhem.
But Merseyside police had already been informed by officers in Manchester that around 100 people, who appeared to be United supporters, were involved in scuffles at Piccadilly Station as they crossed paths with Leeds United fans.
A handful of people were arrested at the scene and the remaining crowd boarded the lunchtime train to Liverpool where they carried on drinking.
Chief inspector Chris Armitt, who was commanding the operation, said: "Before they arrived in Liverpool, we were aware of problems and as we escorted them to Goodison officers wore protective clothing.
"We knew were were going to get problem supporters but they were taken to Goodison without incident."
However, four hours later, the United fans were met with a torrent of bricks and bottles as they were escorted back to Lime Street along Everton Valley and Scotland Road
Despite there being around 35 police vans just yards away, dozens of trained police dogs and the force helicopter hovering above, the hooligans were not put off
How no-one was seriously hurt is a mystery. The assault was as ferocious and sustained as anything seen in Liverpool for decades.
Chief Insp Armitt said: "Around 300 rival supporters appeared and there was a violent and large-scale confrontation.
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