Toy guns smuggled into Old Trafford

MANCHESTER UNITED are reviewing their security after a man who invaded the pitch during their Champions League clash with Juventus was found to have smuggled two toy guns into Old Trafford.

The spectator, who was arrested and held in police custody overnight, was subsequently detained under the Mental Health Act after he ran on to the field three minutes into the home side’s 1-0 defeat last Tuesday.

When security staff went to his seat they found a backpack which contained what has been described as two toy guns.

The breach raises serious questions for United, who have spent huge sums trying to ensure that Old Trafford is a safe venue and who launched ‘enhanced searches’ at the beginning of last season.

A United spokesman said: ‘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. This includes a full review of our already rigorous security protocols.’

In 2016, United’s match with Bournemouth was abandoned after a dummy explosive was found stuck to the back of a toilet cubicle door. while in November of that year, two supporters slept inside the venue after breaking free from a tour group. In June of last year, four ‘urban climbers’ broke into the stadium hours before Michael Carrick’s testimonial match.