Bradford City have banned away fans from the north west corner after the crowd trouble that broke out during the Manchester United match.

Problems arose when some of the 2,000 United fans 'invaded' the adjoining block at the Kop end of the ground where family groups were sitting.

There were reports of coin throwing, spitting, foul and abusive language and clashes between supporters and stewards with several fans ejected while some distressed children were led away before the end of the match.

Chairman Geoffrey Richmond admitted today: "I don't think the club covered itself in glory in its match-day operations."

The new corner stand will now be used only by home fans with extra visiting supporters housed in the three end blocks of the Ciba Stand next to the away end.

City hastily arranged a top-level meeting yesterday before announcing the change of policy, although Liverpool fans will be in the corner stand for their rearranged match having already bought tickets.

Richmond said: "I am truly sorry for the operational errors which were made on Saturday. This will not be allowed to happen again.

"The history of the behaviour of the Manchester United fans did not suggest that there would be any problems.

"However, in the light of the occurrences the decision has been taken to ensure that will be no recurrences in the future. Some very frank language was used at our meeting."

A club statement said: "There will be Liverpool supporters in the corner stand because tickets have been sold at Anfield to their fans.

"We will ensure that adequate safety and security arrangements will be operation at the game.

"A letter will be sent to all season ticket holders in blocks E, F and G of the Ciba Stand within the next few days to arrange movement to the north west corner for the balance of the season."

This new arrangement will give visiting clubs about 3,750 tickets (1,800 in the Symphony, 1,950 in the Ciba) compared with the 4,000 available to Sunderland and United fans.

The north west corner had been earmarked for away fans for the March home matches against Manchester City and Newcastle. The extra travellers will now be housed in the Ciba Stand.

As a goodwill gesture to the club's young supporters, City are organising an open day on January 27 when they have no match. All children and particularly those who were upset by Saturday's incidents are being invited. Detailed arrangements will be announced in due course.

In another initiative to encourage young people, City have devised a scheme aimed at Bradford schools for the next two home matches against Aston Villa on February 3 and West Ham on February 24.

Schools are invited to bring parties at discount rates of £2 for children and £6 for adults. The schools will also receive £1 for each ticket sold.