The fallout from Liverpool’s postponed Premier League clash with Manchester United continues to rumble on with many asking what happens next.
The game was called off on Sunday after thousands of United fans protested against the Glazer ownership at Old Trafford.
After many congregated outside the ground, supporters then twice broke onto the pitch inside the stadium as security struggled to control the crowds.
As a result, both clubs, along with the Premier League and Greater Manchester Police, opted to call the game off shortly before 6pm.
The postponement now leaves both clubs and the Premier League with a headache as they try to find a new slot for the game to be played.
But according to the FA rulebook, under section 8.3.4, United could be found to have been at fault for the match not going ahead.
That is because if the governing body found that United's security measures weren't adequate and were behind the postponement, then Liverpool could be awarded the points.
"In the event of a match being abandoned due to the conduct of one Club or its members or supporters the Board has the power to order that the match is not replayed and to award either one or three points to the Club not at fault,” the FA rule book reads.
"It cannot levy a financial penalty due to the conduct of a Club."
But due to the police’s influence over the decision to postpone the game, the Premier League law around the issue states that United could not be held accountable for the postponement.
Section L.12 states: "A League Match shall not be postponed or abandoned except: (L.12.1.) when on the date fixed for it to be played either the Home Club or the Visiting Club is competing in a competition permitted by Rules L.9.1, L.9.2, and L.9.3; (L.12.2.) with the approval of or on the instructions of the officiating referee; (L.12.3.) by order of the police; (L.12.4.) by order of any other authority exercising its statutory powers to that effect; or (L.12.5.) on the instructions of or with the prior written consent of the Board."
In a statement released on Sunday evening, Liverpool backed the call to postpone the game, claiming that public safety must be the number one factor in any such decision.
“Liverpool Football Club was in full agreement with the decision to postpone today’s fixture as a result of ongoing events at Old Trafford and the surrounding area,” the statement read.
“It is our position that public safety must be the number one factor in any such decision, with the ability to provide a secure environment for the participants, staff and officials being a particular priority.
“It was clearly not possible for this to be guaranteed today due to a situation which escalated rapidly.
“We will continue to have dialogue with Manchester United, the Premier League and the local authorities to find a suitable date to reschedule.
“As soon as we have this information we will update our supporters accordingly.”
