by Michael Baggaley

CIVIL rights group Liberty has confirmed it is to take up the case of Stoke supporters who were forced to leave Manchester by police before the match at Old Trafford last month.

It plans to use the Human Rights Act to argue for the supporters and claim they are entitled to compensation for travel expenses and match tickets.

Around 70 Stoke fans were drinking at a pub in Irlam, Greater Manchester, on November 15 when police issued them with Section 27 orders and put them on coaches back to Stoke-on-Trent.

Greater Manchester Police say they acted on intelligence that "hooligan groups" were planning violence at the match.

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