Seven Manchester United fans have been banned from football grounds for three years following clashes with Ajax supporters last season.

The violence erupted outside The Binary bar in Manchester city centre prior to a Europa League match last February, before police were called to the Castlefield hostelry where fireworks had been set off – leading to 15 arrests.

Seven have now been handed three-year banning orders after a judge was handed police evidence which showed the group involved in previous misdemeanours at other matches.

PC Ashley Keyte from Greater Manchester Police’s Force Events Section said: “We do not consider these men to be football fans as to do so would be a slur on the vast majority of decent supporters who go to games and behave impeccably week-in week-out.

“Football related violence has no part in modern society, yet some mindless individuals still think it’s acceptable to brawl with others for no other reason than their allegiance to another team.

“We work hard with football clubs across Greater Manchester to ensure that those who are convicted are banned from not only the ground of the team they support, but every single stadium in the UK.

“That is the case with these seven individuals.”