Manchester United build 10ft steel fence around Old Trafford in attempt to keep anti-Glazer protesters at bay ahead of Leicester clash after violent demonstrations that led to fans breaking into the ground and match with Liverpool being postponed
- Manchester United chiefs have moved to avoid repeat of violent demonstrations
- Supporters broke into the ground in shocking scenes earlier in May to protest
- The protest before a clash with Liverpool led to the game’s postponement
- Now United have erected steel fences to keep the anti-Glazer protests at bay
- Manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has called on fans to be peaceful if they protest
Manchester United have built a ring of steel around Old Trafford to keep out anti-Glazer protesters for Tuesday’s game against Leicester and Thursday’s visit of Liverpool.
The club are trying to prevent a repeat of the violent demonstrations that forced the Liverpool fixture to be postponed nine days ago and left six police officers injured.
A 10ft high red wall has been erected at the south-east corner of the stadium – where protesters twice broke in and got onto the pitch – as well the north forecourt in front of the Sir Alex Ferguson Stand. Additional steel barriers have also been put in place as part of the heightened security operation.
Manchester United have erected 10ft high fences to keep out protesters at Old Trafford
On Tuesday night against Leicester City, Old Trafford will be looking to host its first Premier League game since a violent demonstration led to their match with Liverpool being postponed
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has again urged United supporters to keep any protests peaceful
United were reluctant to take such extreme measures, but felt they had no choice in the circumstances. Having prepared for a peaceful protest last time and seen it descend into violence, the club wanted to ensure the two games went ahead safely this week.
Further demonstrations are expected against the club’s American owners, although it’s understood there is more concern around the re-arranged Liverpool game than Tuesday’s match against Leicester.
Manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has reiterated his plea for peace and calm after seeing it largely ignored by fans who attacked police and forced their way into Old Trafford.
Supporters and police clashed in violent scenes outside Old Trafford in the build up to United’s Premier League clash with Liverpool earlier in May
‘Security measures are being looked at and I hope we can keep the protests – if there are protests – down to loud voices and nothing violent,’ said Solskjaer.
‘We want to listen, the players want to play the game. We’re playing Liverpool and, of course, we want to beat Liverpool and we want to beat Leicester.
‘So we’re going to do everything we can for our fans to celebrate what we’re doing on the pitch.’ Greater Manchester Police are on standby in case of more trouble after one officer suffered a life-changing eye injury during the last protest.
Hundreds of Manchester United fans stormed the pitch ahead of the match against Liverpool
The Glazer family, United’s owners, signed the club up to the European Super League in April
The crowd breached the Old Trafford perimeter before lighting smoke flares and chanting
A GMP spokesman said: ‘We have reviewed our approach again following the events of last weekend and planned appropriate resourcing to ensure the safety of all those present.’ Meanwhile, Solskjaer insists it’s unfair to blame him if he puts out a weakened team against the Foxes for the first of two games in the space of 50 hours.
Having fielded a strong line-up at Aston Villa on Sunday, the United boss is expected to make a number of changes against Leicester who are battling with Liverpool for a top-four place.
‘Talking about integrity in the league and stuff, don’t blame me when I have to make changes because I have to,’ he said.
‘That’s the hard bit for me, knowing if I do play this 11 on Tuesday and then again on Thursday it’s impossible. I run too much of a risk in injuring them. I have to prioritise.’
Invaders waved banners against the Glazers and seized footballs and corner flags from the turf
