Manchester United stewards ‘let protesters into Old Trafford’ before demo

Manchester United stewards ‘let protesters into Old Trafford’ before demo that forced postponement of club’s match against Liverpool

  • WARNING: GRAPHIC LANGUAGE
  • Footage shows several men apparently allowed through a door into Old Trafford
  • A mob managed to enter the ground on Sunday to protest against club’s owners
  • It was originally reported protesters broke down disabled door to get in stadium
  • But the newly emerged video appears to show stewards letting them in ground

Manchester United stewards appeared to let fans into Old Trafford before a demonstration forced the club’s match against Liverpool to be postponed.

Footage taken by a supporter shows several men apparently allowed through a door into the team’s stadium security.

A mob managed to enter the ground on Sunday to protest against the club’s owners the Glazer family.

It was originally reported protesters broke down a disabled door, but the newly emerged video appears to show stewards letting them into the ground.

Manchester United stewards appeared to let fans into Old Trafford before a demonstration forced the club’s match against Liverpool to be postponed

Footage taken by a supporter shows several men apparently allowed through a door into the team's stadium security

Footage taken by a supporter shows several men apparently allowed through a door into the team’s stadium security

A mob managed to enter the ground on Sunday to protest against the club's owners the Glazer family

A mob managed to enter the ground on Sunday to protest against the club’s owners the Glazer family

Fans can be seen piling in wearing the green and yellow scarves – which are colours to protest against the club’s American owners.

The supporter filming the video can be heard saying: ‘You’ve opened the door, you’ve opened the door.’

Around a dozen fans enter the stadium, before a steward with a jacket saying ‘SAF Stand’ – which references the Sir Alex Ferguson stand – shuts it again.

The man filming explains: ‘Now the door is closed.’ Fans can then be heard chanting: ‘You Scouse b*****d, you Scouse b*****d.’

Manchester United fans stormed Old Trafford on Sunday to protest against the Glazer ownership

Manchester United fans stormed Old Trafford on Sunday to protest against the Glazer ownership

The video was posted on Twitter by ‘George B 2003’, who said: ‘The stewards at #mufc letting fans into the ground. Yet according to the media we broke in.’

The video appears to contradict reports fans broke down a disabled door. It is thought around 200 supporters made it onto the pitch on Sunday afternoon.

The majority appeared to be peaceful but some were filmed throwing film equipment, beer cans and flares.

Other supporters congregated outside the Lowry Hotel, where the team was staying before the Premier League clash.

Greater Manchester Police said six officers were injured in clashes in the stadium and across the city.

Supporters made it into the bowels of the stadium, with one even breaching the dressing room

Supporters made it into the bowels of the stadium, with one even breaching the dressing room

Assistant Chief Constable Russ Jackson said: ‘The behaviour displayed by those at both Old Trafford and The Lowry Hotel was reckless and dangerous.

‘We understand the passion many supporters have for their team and we fully respect the right for peaceful protest.

‘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.

‘The actions of those today required us to take officers from front line policing and call in support from neighbouring forces to prevent the disorder getting worse.

‘At different points, bottles and barriers were thrown, officers assaulted and people scaled the stadium structure creating risk for themselves and officers

‘We have launched an investigation and we will be working closely alongside partners to ensure we establish the full circumstances surrounding the events and prosecute those responsible.’

More than 100 United protesters made their way into the ground and let-off flares on the pitch

More than 100 United protesters made their way into the ground and let-off flares on the pitch  

Manchester United has been contacted about the latest video to emerge from the demonstration.

The club previously said: ‘Our fans are passionate about Manchester United, and we completely acknowledge the right to free expression and peaceful protest.

‘However, we regret the disruption to the team and actions which put other fans, staff, and the police in danger.

‘We thank the police for their support and will assist them in any subsequent investigations.’