Manchester United has released a statement regarding the demonstration which saw protestors enter Old Trafford yesterday. The statement denies any reports that the Old Trafford protest was as a result of fans being let into the stadium.
Manchester United Break Silence Regarding Old Trafford Protest
The Club Deny Staff Involvement and Promise Consequences
United have released a statement on protests which saw the 16:30 kick-off with Liverpool delayed before the match was postponed on Sunday. The game was cancelled due to safety concerns for the players and staff after fans broke into the stadium and entered the pitch.
The demonstration was from supporters showing their anger with the Glazer family’s ownership of the club, which is in its 16th year. Anger has been reignited among United fans since the fallout of the European Super League.
Rumours had circulated on social media that United staff had allowed the protestors into the stadium, with images that appear to show a member of security allowing fans onto the pitch circulating.
United have now released a statement on the incident, which reads: “Following events yesterday, while many fans wanted to exercise their right to protest and express their opinion peacefully, some were intent on disrupting the team’s preparation and the game itself, as evidenced by activity at the Lowry Hotel and at the stadium. Reports in mainstream and social media that protesters were able to access the stadium and pitch via a gate opened by club staff are completely incorrect.
“After breaking through barriers and security on the forecourt, some protestors climbed the gates at the end of the Munich tunnel, then forced access to a side door in the stand, before opening an external door that let others through to the concourse area and the pitch. A second breach occurred when a protestor smashed the door of a disability access lift, enabling a group to enter the stand.”
The Club Will Punish Any Members Involved in Criminal Activity After Old Trafford Protest
The statement condemned the action of the protestors involved in criminal activity yesterday but reaffirmed the club’s desire to improve its dialogue with fans: “The majority of our fans have and will condemn criminal damage, along with any violence towards club staff, police or other fans, and these now become a police matter. The club has no desire to see peaceful protestors punished, but will work with the police to identify those involved in criminal activity, and will also issue its own sanctions to any season ticket holder or member identified, per the published sanctions policy.
“Information on the rescheduling of the game and any possible implication on other fixtures will be announced after discussion and agreement with the Premier League. We remain committed to dialogue and engagement with our fans through the Fans Forum and other appropriate channels.”
