Theatre of Extremes
United could be docked points as fan fury sees big game KO’d
MANCHESTER UNITED could be docked points and fined after hundreds of fans stormed Old Trafford forcing their game against Liverpool to be called off.
Thousands of people descended on the stadium to protest against the club’s controversial owners, the Glazers, with about 200 gaining access to the ground and the pitch.
Police clashed with protestors in violent scenes outside and the game – scheduled to kick-off at 4.30pm – was officially postponed at 5.30pm due to ongoing safety concerns.
The Premier League have launched an investigation into how supporters managed to get onto the pitch.
Twice security around the stadium was breached, with protestors breaking goalposts, throwing lit flares, and taking corner flags and match balls.
One fan also threw a TV camera tripod to the ground.
In the coordinated mass protest, fans also blocked access routes in and around the Lowry Hotel, where United’s players were staying, leaving them trapped inside.
Two police officers were injured in the clashes, with United condemning those protestors whose actions put people in danger and caused the match to be called off.
Postponing the game will impact broadcasters and the remaining fixture schedule, with the Premier League refusing to rule out possible sanctions, including docking United points.
Greater Manchester Police also launched an investigation and said in a statement: “Protestors outside Old Trafford became aggressive and antagonistic towards police, before a group of about 100 forced entry to the ground, with some United staff having to lock themselves in rooms.
“Those in the stadium were evicted by officers but outside, on the forecourt, hostility grew with bottles and barriers being thrown at officers and horses.
“Two officers have been injured, with one being attacked with a bottle and sustaining a significant slash wound to his face, requiring emergency hospital treatment.”
GMP Assistant Chief Constable Russ Jackson called the behaviour displayed at both Old Trafford and the Lowry Hotel “reckless and dangerous”.
United said in a statement: “Talks will take place with the Premier League on a revised date for the fixture.
“We acknowledge the right to free expression and peaceful protest. However, we regret the disruption to the team and actions which put other fans, staff, and the police in danger.”
In a strongly-worded statement the Premier League condemned the behaviour of those who broke into the stadium. It said: “The security and safety of everyone at Old Trafford remains of paramount importance.
“We understand and respect the strength of feeling but condemn all acts of violence, criminal damage and trespass, especially given the associated Covid-19 breaches.
“Fans have many channels by which to make their views known but the actions of a minority seen today have no justification. We sympathise with the police and stewards who had to deal with a dangerous situation that should have no place in football.”
The planned protest outside the
The fans are deadly serious. I guarantee you this is just the start from United fans
stadium had been widely publicised, with up to 10,000 expected to attend. And investigators will want to know why Old Trafford was not properly secured.
Yesterday’s events were criticised by many, with Graeme Souness claiming a flare and a can of the beer were hurled at the platform where the Sky Sports pundits were seated.
The Liverpool and Rangers legend said: “Someone threw a missile and a glass bottle which could have killed us or left us with scars in hospital.”
But the protests came after United’s role in the doomed Super League breakaway and former player Gary Neville said: “There’s huge discontent. They’re (the fans) basically saying enough is enough.
“This stadium, if you go behind the scenes, is rusty and rotting. The training ground is probably not even in the top five in this country.
“They haven’t got to a Champions League semi-final for 10 years and haven’t won the league for eight.” And ex-Old Trafford captain Roy Keane said: “United fans have had enough. They’re doing this because they love the club.
“It’s not just the last few weeks and the Super League, it’s been building for years. They’ve thought ‘enough is enough’. It’s a huge statement for the game to be called off.
“People might not agree but sometimes you have to put a marker down for people to notice. This will go all over the world. Hopefully the owners see the fans are deadly serious. There’s more to come, this is just the start from Man United fans, I guarantee you.”
One fan who made it on to the pitch said: “The whole idea of the protest was to cause disruption and I believe that’s what’s been achieved.
Another supporter, Elliot Brady, 23, said: “Best protest you will see at any ground and makes me proud to be a part of it. Yeah, we made it on to the pitch, made me feel honoured to be there. The Glazers have to sell and return the club back to the fans.”