LONDON: If the Glazer family, owner’s of Manchester United and key strategists in the “dead before kick-off” European Super League (ESL), harboured any illusions that fan anger against the failed mercenary moves attempted by Europe’s super rich clubs, it was unequivocally squashed on Sunday.
Manchester United’s Premier League clash against Liverpool was postponed on Sunday after fans invaded the Old Trafford pitch as part of a protest against the Glazer family.
Hundreds of fans managed to make their way into the ground, chanting “we want Glazers out”. Large numbers of supporters had also gathered outside the stadium and there were clashes with police as they moved in to disperse the crowd.
Manchester United issued the following statement in the aftermath of the game being called off: “Following discussion between the police, the Premier League, Trafford Council and the clubs, our match against Liverpool has been postponed due to safety and security considerations around the protest today,” United said in a statement.
“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.”
The Premier League further stated: “Following the security breach at Old Trafford, the Manchester United v Liverpool game has been postponed.
“This is a collective decision from the police, both clubs, the Premier League and local authorities.
“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.”
Anger has not subsided
What the fan protests show clearly is that anger towards the Glazers (as too the owners of Liverpool FC) in the failed ESL project, that collapsed within 48 hours last month due to a backlash from fans, players, governments and governing bodies.
In a rare public statement, United co-chairman Joel Glazer apologised to fans last month for signing up to the ESL.
“You made very clear your opposition to the European Super League, and we have listened. We got it wrong, and we want to show that we can put things right,” he said.
“Although the wounds are raw and I understand that it will take time for the scars to heal, I am personally committed to rebuilding trust with our fans and learning from the message you delivered with such conviction.”
United fans also breached security at their club’s training ground in the days after the ESL proposals were made public to protest against the Glazers.
The Americans have owned United since a controversial leveraged takeover in 2005 saddled the club with hundreds of millions of pounds worth of debt.
United’s executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward has already announced he will be leaving his role by the end of the year amid the fallout from the failed ESL project.
“There’s huge discontent, not just across Manchester United fans, but I think for football fans up and down the country and I think they are just saying enough is enough,” former United captain Gary Neville told Sky Sports.
