Manchester United fans managed to access the pitch at Old Trafford during a fresh rounds of protests against the club's owners.
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The Premier League match between Manchester United and Liverpool got postponed after intense protests by United fans on Sunday. Fans in Manchester managed to access the pitch at Old Trafford during a fresh rounds of protests against the club’s owners. “Following the security breach at Old Trafford, the Manchester United vs. Liverpool game has been postponed. This is a collective decision from the police, both clubs, the Premier League and local authorities,” read a statement from the Premier League.
“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 rearrangement of the fixture will be communicated in due course.”
Sentiments against the Glazer brothers, United’s American owners, are at an all-time high after the botched European Super League launch.
And United supporters continued to protest ahead of Sunday’s match. A section of fans also held up the departure of the team coach from the Lowry hotel.
This is the second protest against the Glazers in recent times – and the largest. Fans want to change the ownership structure at the club, if not convince the Glazers to sell.
Wow, hundreds of fans have got onto the pitch at Old Trafford, they’re protesting against the ownership of the club. ? #MUFC pic.twitter.com/izEkC2LLr2
— The Away Fans Videos (@TheAwayFansVids) May 2, 2021
United called an emergency fan forum on Friday. There, United supporters read out a statement signed by the “vast majority” of fans to departing chief executive Ed Woodward.
The statement said the Super League debacle left fans feeling “disgusted, embarrassed and angry”. Fans also said they have “zero trust” in the owners.
They also added the club should “willingly and openly engage and promote the government initiated fan-led review of football”. Furthermore, fans told Glazer to personally fund the cost of the club’s withdrawal from the Super League.
The first round of protests saw fans invade United’s training ground. United manager Ole Gunnar Solksjaer eventually spoke with fans and calmed the protests.
However, speaking ahead of the Liverpool clash, Solksjaer said fans’ views on such things matter.
“It’s important that the fans’ views are listened to and that we communicate better,” he said.
“My job is to focus on the football side and that we have the best possible team. As I’ve said before, I’ve been backed, I’ve had great support from the club and the owners. I’m sure I will get the backing again to go one step further.
“But I’m so happy that all the clubs agreed that this shouldn’t be the way of moving forward. Then again, when the protests are on, it’s important that they go in a good fashion and that we keep it peaceful.”
