Police probe United vandals 7/ 1/2009 POLICE have launched an investigation after videos of Manchester United fans trashing parts of the Britannia Stadium in Stoke were posted on the internet. Mobile phone footage shows United fans throwing rubbish bins and plastic bottles during the half time break of their match against Stoke City on Boxing Day. Clips have been posted on the YouTube website and officials at Stoke City have downloaded the films and passed them to Staffordshire Police. Some of the footage can be seen in our video player on the right. The film includes swearing and abusive chants by fans. Stoke City also claim that around 100 seats were ripped out of the away section during the visit of 3,000 United fans for the match. Stadium safety manager John Alcock said: "We were aware of the behaviour of a certain section of Manchester United fans during the match, but were not aware it had been posted on the internet. "We tend to get quite a few supporters from different teams coming to the Britannia Stadium and damaging the facilities in the away end. "The internet footage has been put on a CD and handed to police." Superintendent Andy Franks, of Staffordshire Police, who was match commander for the Boxing Day fixture, said: "We will conduct a thorough investigation into the footage to try to identify those responsible for this disorder. "It was limited to the section of the South Stand concourse area where Manchester United fans were housed." Bryan Shaw, chairman of Stoke City Supporters' Club, said he was not surprised to hear of the trouble. He said: "I saw a couple of skirmishes on the way to the ground but they were dealt with by police. "It would be nice if United coughed up and paid for the damage, but I doubt they will. "If Stoke did this kind of thing at Old Trafford and ripped up 100 seats we would be highlighted as being the biggest thugs in the country, but just like their football team, United fans get away with everything." No-one at Manchester United or the Independent Manchester United Supporters' Association was available for comment. Man Evening News