United intruder had ‘guns’

Manchester United have launched a review of their security after it emerged that a man who invaded the pitch during their Champions League tie against Juventus at Old Trafford last week had smuggled two toy guns into the ground.

The man, who was in his 40s, was arrested and held in police custody overnight and subsequently detained under the Mental Health Act after running on to the field three minutes into the 1-0 defeat to the Italian side.

He had made a beeline for Juventus and former United forward Cristiano Ronaldo but slipped before getting to the Portuguese and was thwarted by stewards. Ronaldo went over to shake the man’s hand, to applause from some in the crowd, but it has been reported that when security staff went to his seat they found a backpack containing two toy guns.

United admitted the situation was a concern and were reviewing their security. A spokesman for the club told the Daily Mail: “Carrying a children’s miniature plastic toy gun into a stadium is clearly an extremely irresponsible act. Fortunately, the actions of the pitch intruder at the Juventus game did not harm anyone. However, as the security and safety of all fans and staff is the absolute priority at Manchester United, the club immediately launched an investigation.”

Meanwhile, the Football Association will write to West Ham United requesting their observations after two fans invaded the London Stadium pitch during Wednesday’s 3-1 Carabao Cup defeat against Tottenham. The fans will be handed life bans by West Ham.