A MAN was arrested at Manchester United's ground during their game against Lyon after a police probe into ticket touting.

The man, 32, was held on suspicion of fraud, ticket touting and money laundering.

Police believe the scale of the fraud may run into hundreds of thousands of pounds and that tickets from a number of Premier League clubs were traded at inflated prices through a website. Two houses in Blackburn were also searched in connection with the investigation.

The man was taken to Blackburn police station after being arrested by officers from the Lancashire force acting on behalf of the Metropolitan Police.

Detective Sergeant Will Hodgson from the Met said: "Ticket touting is not only illegal but it can lead to an increase in violence at football games, primarily through segregation breakdown. Genuine fans should not buy tickets from touts as they are potentially fuelling violence and lucrative criminal activity.

"People who buy from touts run the risk of finding themselves amongst opposing supporters, being ejected from grounds or not receiving their tickets at all. This operation is a good example of all the agencies working together to minimise risk within our football stadiums."

The police investigation, which started last October, was carried out in partnership with the Football Association and the Premier League. The Met said that the investigation was continuing. The Premier League said ticket touting, particularly on the internet, was a growing problem for clubs and fans alike.

A spokesman said: "Ticket touting is being done on a more corporate level and we need the continued support of the government and the authorities in order to deal with it.

"The Premier League and their member clubs work very closely with the relevant authorities to ensure that ticket touts are targeted and dealt with."