Match postponed as angry Man United fans storm pitch
RAMPAGING Manchester United fans injured police and forced the scrapping of the team’s game with Liverpool after storming Old Trafford yesterday.
Hundreds of supporters protesting at club owners the Glazers broke into the ground before kick-off, throwing bottles at officers – one was hit in the face – and letting off flares.
They had split off from thousands outside who were demonstrating at the way the US family has run the club since 2005.
Thugs kicked down barriers and climbed on to the goals as stadium staff locked themselves in rooms.
Both teams stayed in their hotels until the match was postponed just before 6pm.
The policeman slashed by a bottle was taken to hospital and another suffered minor injuries.
Greater Manchester Police Assistant Chief Constable Russ Jackson called the violence “reckless and dangerous”.
He added: “We fully respect the right for peaceful protest. Plans were in place to ensure this could happen safely, but it soon became clear that many present had no intention of doing so peacefully.
“The actions of those today required us to take officers from frontline policing. Bottles and barriers were thrown, officers assaulted and people scaled the stadium structure.” He vowed to prosecute the yobs.
Premier League bosses condemned “all acts of violence” and backed “police and stewards who had to deal with a dangerous situation”.
The anti-Glazer movement has gained momentum since they tried to form a Super League with Arsenal, Spurs, Liverpool, Man City, Chelsea and six European sides.