Exeter v Liverpool police operation hailed a success
An operation to prevent trouble at the Exeter City v Liverpool match in Devon, has been hailed a success by police.
There was a 9,000-strong crowd at St James Park in Exeter for the sold-out Carling Cup match, which Liverpool won 1-3.
Devon and Cornwall Police said there were three arrests and six people were removed from the ground.
The force faces another big match next week when Exeter host arch-rivals Plymouth Argyle on 30 August.
'Lively but peaceful'
Extra police were on duty in and around the ground for the Exeter-Liverpool game on Wednesday , warning they would "come down hard" on any troublemakers.
There were two arrests inside the ground - one for allegedly being drunk and one allegation of an assault. The arrest outside the ground was for suspected drug offences, the force said.
Police match commander Supt Chris Singer said he was "very happy overall with the behaviour of the fans".
He said: "This was a lively but peaceful match that will be remembered for the right reasons."
On 30 August Exeter take on Plymouth in the Johnson Paint Trophy.
Police are preparing a large security operation after more than 20 people were arrested when violence broke out between fans of the two clubs at a match in Plymouth in November.
Police said any trouble at the game would be "dealt with robustly".
Troublemakers face a football banning order of up to 10 years, officers added.