Greater Manchester Police have launched an investigation into the events at Old Trafford that left two officers injured and caused the postponement of Manchester United’s Premier League match against Liverpool.
Security was breached after more than one hundred fans forced their way into the ground where they went on to the pitch to continue their protests against the club’s owners, the Glazer family.
Supporters also gathered outside the Lowry Hotel, the base where the players had been staying pre-match.
The safety of the players from both teams was of paramount importance and, with fans still milling around outside the ground, the decision was taken to abandon the match at about 5.30pm – it had been due to kick off at 4.30pm.
Embed from Getty ImagesGMP issued the following statement: “Officers were aware of a protest planned to take place in Old Trafford today (Sunday, May 2) and were working closely alongside partners to ensure those that attended were kept safe whilst enabling their right to peaceful protest.
“Early this afternoon, groups of protestors began to gather at Old Trafford and separately at The Lowry Hotel, Salford, where the United players were staying. By late afternoon around 200 protestors had gathered outside the Lowry and over 1,000 at Old Trafford.
“Officers continued to closely monitor the situation, engaging with those present but as the groups grew in size; it became clear that many of those present were not intending to exercise their right to peaceful protest. Flares were let off and bottles thrown at officers.
“Protestors outside Old Trafford became especially aggressive and antagonistic towards police before a group of about 100 forced entry to the ground with some United staff having to lock themselves in rooms.
“Those in the stadium were evicted by officers but outside on the forecourt hostility grew with bottles and barriers being thrown at officers and horses. Two officers have been injured with one officer being attacked with a bottle and sustaining a significant slash wound to his face, requiring emergency hospital treatment.
“With the situation increasing in hostility, additional officers had to be deployed and officers had to be drawn in from neighbouring forces to assist Greater Manchester officers.
Following discussion with The Premier League, Trafford Council and the clubs, a joint decision was made to postpone the match for safety reasons.
GMP assistant chief constable Russ Jackson said: “The behaviour displayed today 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 today’s events and prosecute those responsible.
Manchester United’s official comment was: “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. Discussions will now take place with the Premier League on a revised date for the fixture.
“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.”