Manchester United has vowed to punish anyone who committed a criminal act during protests on Sunday at Old Trafford that led to the Premier League game against Liverpool being postponed.
Key points:
- Manchester United says it doesn’t want to see peaceful protesters punished, but will work with police to find violent offenders at Old Trafford and will sanction members if identified
- Greater Manchester Police said six officers were injured in the protests, with one suffering a fractured eye socket and another dragged and kicked
- One man has been arrested and police say they are reviewing footage to try to identify the organisers of the demonstration
United fans protesting against the club’s American owners, the Glazer family, stormed into the stadium that was closed due to COVID-19 restrictions.
“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,” United said on Monday in a statement.
“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,” the statement added.
A flare was thrown at the broadcasters podium as fans ran onto the field and protesters clashed with police outside the ground.
Greater Manchester Police (GMP) said six officers were injured during the demonstrations, with one suffering a fractured eye socket.
Another sustained a wound to his face when bottles and cans were thrown from the crowd.
A third officer was dragged and kicked.
GMP said a 28-year-old man has been arrested in connection with the protests and added that it was “reviewing all obtainable evidence” to identify the organisers of the demonstration and those responsible for assaulting officers.
“Officers were just trying to do their job and facilitate a peaceful protest.”
The Premier League said it recognised the strength of feeling among fans.
“We are committed to maintaining close dialogue with supporters and their representatives, as we work with The FA and government to identify solutions, but ask that all protests are peaceful,” the Premier League said in a statement.
The fan protests against the Glazers, which have taken place since they bought the club in 2005, have been reignited since United’s involvement in the attempt to create a breakaway European Super League.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson, who publicly opposed the Super League plans, said he understood the motives behind the protests.
“I don’t think it’s a good idea to have disruptive behaviour, demonstrations of that kind, but on the other hand I do understand people’s strength of feeling,” Mr Johnson told reporters.
Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham also expressed support for the aims of the protesters.
“I fully understand the long-standing concerns of Manchester United supporters about both the ownership and financing of their club and the wider running of football,” he said.
No decision has yet been made on the rescheduling of the match or about any sanctions.
“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,” United said.
Reuters
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