Manchester United’s game against Liverpool at Old Trafford was postponed on Sunday.
Thousands of supporters descended on the stadium to protest against the Glazers’ ownership, with some gaining entry into the stadium, and while protests were mostly peaceful, unfortunately, they were some unsettling scenes.
The mass protest officially got underway at 2pm but it didn’t take long for events to take a dramatic twist as hundreds of fans broke into the stadium and stormed the pitch, putting the game in doubt.
Almost inevitably, the game was eventually officially postponed when United released a statement confirming the game will be rescheduled for a later date while Liverpool also offered their full sport for the decision.
The fallout from protests lasted almost all Sunday as fans made their feelings clear once again after the Super League collapse.
We’ll bring you the latest reaction from the protest while also reporting on the latest transfer rumours, as usual.
Former Manchester United defender Gary Neville backed the angry fans whose dramatic protest against the Glazer family forced the postponement of Sunday’s game against Liverpool.
Hundreds of United supporters gathered outside Old Trafford hours before the scheduled kick-off to show their disgust at the club’s United States-based owners.
Around 200 forced their way into the stadium by battling past stewards and safety barrier.
They ran onto the pitch, let off flares, damaged sections of the pitch and waved anti-Glazer banners.
The ugly scenes were eventually quelled inside the stadium, but riot police, with some on horses, were needed to push the hostile crowds away from Old Trafford after bottles and other missiles were thrown.
Greater Manchester Police released a statment confirming injuries to officers in the protests.
“Protestors outside Old Trafford became especially 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,” it read.
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GMP assistant chief constable Russ Jackson branded the behaviour “reckless and dangerous.”
“We understand the passion many supporters have for their team and we fully respect the right for peaceful protest,” he added.
“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.”
Greater Manchester Police Statement
“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 officer being attacked with a bottle and sustaining a significant slash wound to his face, requiring emergency hospital treatment.”
The Glazers were already disliked after presiding over a decline in United’s fortunes in recent years after their controversial takeover in 2005.
It was their leading role in the recent failed European Super League plot that reignited United fans’ fury.
Neville, an outspoken critic of the Glazers and the Super League, was quick to support the protesters for taking a stand.
“The reason why those fans came today is because they have had enough,” Neville told Sky Sports.
“I think it’s a warning to the owners of the football club that the fans aren’t going to accept what they have done.
“If there has been disturbance then I don’t think that’s acceptable. But the reality is the game has been called off and the fans have spoken.
“It’s not going to go away because they don’t trust the owners of the club and they don’t like them. They think they should leave.
“Ultimately the ball is in the owners court on what they do next. The fans have been powerful. They have stood up for what’s right.
Neville’s former Manchester United captain Roy Keane believes the protesters are so tired of the Glazers that they are sure to cause more problems in the future.
“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,” said.
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“When they look at the owners they think it’s all about making money. I believe the United fans are doing this because they love the cub.
“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 Utd fans, I guarantee you.”
There was a mood of celebration among fans outside Old Trafford when the game was postponed and former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher refused to condemn the protests.
“Do we want fans storming stadiums left right and centre and getting games called off? No we don’t,” he said.
“But I’m not going to sit here and criticise Man Utd fans. I think it’s a good thing, protesting not being happy at what’s happened at the club.”
Source: Fox Sports
