Man held after police hurt at football protest
A28-YEAR-OLD man has been arrested after six police officers were injured in violent clashes during a protest by Manchester United fans ahead of a match against Liverpool.
Greater Manchester Police (GMP) said one officer sustained a fractured eye socket and another a facial wound when bottles, cans and barriers were thrown at them at Old Trafford.
The force did not say what offence the man had been arrested on suspicion of, but added it was “reviewing all obtainable evidence” to identify the organisers of the demonstration and those responsible for assaulting officers.
It happened after around 100 fans stormed the pitch at Old Trafford on Sunday ahead of the game in protest at United’s American owners, the Glazer family.
GMP assistant chief constable Nick Bailey, said: “The behaviour shown at this protest was absolutely atrocious.
“Officers were just trying to do their job and facilitate a peaceful protest, however a number of those present became hostile and aggressive towards officers and forced entry to the football grounds, making it very clear that this protest was not peaceful and ruining it for the majority of protesters who had not intended for the protest to become violent.”
Greater Manchester Police Federation said the officer who sustained an eye injury was “lucky not to lose his sight”.
The policeman, with around 20 years’ service, suffered a significant slash wound to his face, according to the federation.
The organisation, which represents the force’s rank-and-file, has not named the officer but said he remains in “lots of pain” and will need an extended period off work to recover.
Stu Berry, chairman of the federation, said: “Our brave colleague went to work yesterday to keep the people of Greater Manchester safe – and he ended up coming under attack. He is incredibly lucky not to have lost the sight in an eye.
“This is not right.”