Police officers and metrolink staff were reportedly met with homophobic abuse while they responded to reports a knife had been left on a tram in Radcliffe.
Staff from Greater Manchester Police's (GMP) transport unit responded to concerns from member of the public.
Transport for Greater Manchester identified and detained a suspect.
But during this time police say friends of the man involved shouted homophobic abuse at Metrolink staff and police.
Three people were arrested for various offences.
A police spokesperson said: "GMP will not tolerate the carrying of weapons, assaults on Metrolink Staff or homophobic abuse and will take robust action in all circumstances.
"Hopefully some time in a cell will give them time to reflect on their actions."
Police recently cracked down on knife crime in Bury as part of Operation Sceptre.
Operation Avro also seeks to deal with knife crime and antisocial behaviour on public transport.
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