Manchester United have released a statement detailing how supporters managed to force their way onto the Old Trafford pitch yesterday.
United’s game with Liverpool was called off on Sunday afternoon after thousands of fans protested against the Glazer ownership.
After many congregated outside Old Trafford, 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.
Rumours in the media and on social media over the last 24 hours claimed that United fans had been able to make their way inside the ground as the gate had been opened by a club employee.
But in a statement released on Monday afternoon, United denied those claims and outlined how fans had managed to gain access to the pitch.
“Following events yesterday, while many fans wanted to exercise their right to protest and express their opinion peacefully, some were intent on disrupting the team’s preparation and the game itself, as evidenced by activity at the Lowry Hotel and at the stadium,” a statement from the club read.
“Reports in mainstream and social media that protesters were able to access the stadium and pitch via a gate opened by club staff are completely incorrect.
“After breaking through barriers and security on the forecourt, some protestors climbed the gates at the end of the Munich tunnel, then forced access to a side door in the stand, before opening an external door that let others through to the concourse area and the pitch.
“A second breach occurred when a protestor smashed the door of a disability access lift, enabling a group to enter the stand.
“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. 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.
“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.
“We remain committed to dialogue and engagement with our fans through the Fans Forum and other appropriate channels.”
