SIX people were arrested as fighting broke out at Bolton Wanderers' derby clash with Wigan.
Police said they were certain at least two "large scale disturbances" had been planned by gangs of rival hooligans but were stopped by a massive police presence.
Two men were arrested for public order offences, a 27-year-old man was arrested for breaching a football banning order and one man was arrested for fighting at a bus stop.
A 17-year-old youth was also arrested on suspicion of possessing an offensive weapon.
Two people were also ejected from the ground during the game.
Police drafted in 100 extra plain clothes and uniformed officers to quell trouble ahead of the first meeting between the two teams for 13 years.
Chief Supt Lee Bruckshaw, the head of Wigan police, said: "There were a number of minor skirmishes but nothing more than you would expect for a normal Saturday afternoon match."
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