FOOTBALL fans have been urged to stay out of trouble at Ipswich Town's match versus Cardiff City on the day Leeds United issued an apology for Saturday's violence.

FOOTBALL fans have been urged to stay out of trouble at Ipswich Town's match versus Cardiff City on the day Leeds United issued an apology for Saturday's violence.

Leeds yesterday said sorry to Ipswich Town fans who were caught up in violent scenes during Saturday's match at Elland Road.

Chief executive Shaun Harvey condemned the behaviour of a “minority” of the Yorkshire club's fans and said the incident was “the exception not the rule”.

It came as Suffolk police announced that more than 200 officers from Suffolk and British Transport Police have been drafted in to oversee Town's game against the Bluebirds at Portman Road on Sunday.

Chief Superintendent Tim Beach, southern area commander, said: “We hope that people celebrate this weekend's match sensibly and in the right spirit.

“We will not tolerate anti-social behaviour, violence, racial chanting, mindless vandalism or any alcohol-fuelled disorder.

“We will continue our use of firm but fair policing to ensure the safety of those attending the game and those members of the public wishing to go about their normal business.”

The advice comes after several Ipswich supporters were injured after being pelted by missiles following a pitch invasion in the dying moments of the 1-1 draw at Leeds.

Leeds fans reacted angrily after a late Ipswich goal virtually condemned their team to relegation to the third tier of England football.

Apologising, Mr Harvey said: “I am writing on behalf of both the club and the vast majority of Leeds supporters to apologise for the actions of a minority of our supporters whose behaviour, during the pitch invasion that occurred, was indefensible.

“To all those Ipswich supporters who were injured by the actions of our so-called supporters we hope you make a speedy recovery.”