Manchester United home game with Liverpool postponed after fan protests

May 2, 2021 Security staff with barriers up as Manchester United fans protest against their owners before the match Action Images via REUTERS

Manchester United's Premier League home game against Liverpool was postponed on Sunday after fans stormed the stadium and pitch before kickoff in protest against the club's owners.

The club confirmed at around 1640GMT, almost an hour after the scheduled kickoff, that the game had been postponed due to "safety and security considerations around the protests".

More to follow…

Earlier…

Manchester United's Premier League match against Liverpool has been delayed after fans invaded the Old Trafford pitch in protest at the club's owners on Sunday.

The match was scheduled to start at 6.30 p.m. Kenyan time (1530 GMT) but the teams were yet to arrive at the stadium.

May 2, 2021 A sign outside the stadium as Manchester United fans protest against their owners after the game is postponed Action Images via [REUTERS]

Around 200 United fans took to the pitch before being removed, although some returned.

The match was being played behind closed doors due to COVID-19 restrictions.

The club has not issued any statement on the incident.

There were reports of a protest outside the hotel where the United players were preparing for the game, according to the BBC.

May 2, 2021 A fan with a flare as Manchester United fans protest against their owners after the game is postponed [REUTERS]

Some fans also gathered outside the ground, letting off green and gold flares -- the colours of United's shirts when they were formed as Norton Heath.

The protest follows United's initial decision to join a European Super League along with five other English clubs. The plans for that league fell apart within days due to widespread opposition.

 

By AFP 8 hrs ago
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