Pranav Nair
UK government condemns Manchester United fans for Old Trafford invasion
According to ESPN, the UK government’s sports minister and the mayor of Greater Manchester have condemned the violence that accompanied United fans’ protest outside Old Trafford.
Fans gathered in their thousands outside the Theatre of Dreams against the Glazers’ ownership of the club. Some overzealous fans took it too far and stormed the pitch, postponing our match against Liverpool.
While the protest was largely peaceful, some fringe elements have now given another shade to the protests.
The Premier League too condemned the incident and have opened up an investigation. The same can be said of the Greater Manchester Police after two officers were injured in the incident.
“The actions of a minority of those present at Old Trafford on Sunday have no justification and will be investigated by the Premier League and The FA as well as by the Greater Manchester Police.”
Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham expressed support for the aims of the protesters but criticised the violence that accompanied their demonstrations.
“It is important to make clear that the majority of supporters made their protest peacefully…however, there is no excuse for the actions of a minority who injured police officers and endangered the safety of others.”
British foreign office minister James Cleverly also went on to state that there exists the need to understand the mood of football supporters. GMP Assistant Chief Constable Russ Jackson meanwhile termed the behaviour of the fans as reckless and dangerous.
More Manchester United News
- Marc Overmars tells Donny van de Beek to stay and fight for his place at Manchester United
- Manchester United legend Peter Schmeichel speaks out against the anti-Glazer movement
- Harry Maguire among Manchester United quartet unhappy at not being allowed to talk to protestors
The Glazers meanwhile have no intention of calling it quits. At least not yet anyway. Fans are expected to continue with their protests in the weeks to come.
