Manchester United stewards confiscated two protest banners from fans during the Premier League match against Aston Villa on Sunday.
A new banner reading “We don’t want a new stadium, we want new owners,” was revealed in the upper tier of the Stretford End before the game. It was put away for kick-off and then unfurled again near the end of the first half, prompting stewards to seize it because they felt it was blocking the view of some supporters.
Second Banner Removed
Another banner reading “Jim can’t fix this” was also confiscated by stewards. United fans first unveiled this anti-Sir Jim Ratcliffe banner against Burnley at Turf Moor at the beginning of the year, and it has since been seen regularly at protests.
It is understood the “Jim can’t fix this” banner was removed due to its play on words from the TV show ‘Jim’ll Fix It’, which was hosted by Jimmy Savile, one of Britain’s most prolific sexual predators.
Fan Reaction and Club Position
Some United fans say the removal of the banners is an example of club censorship amid heightened protests, but United maintain they will always allow fans to protest within the rules and regulations.
Fans’ protests against United’s owners have gathered momentum again over the last few weeks. The last on-the-ground demonstration took place before the Manchester City game in September, but supporters are trying to bring back green and gold demonstrations to the stadium.
The return of the green and gold from matchgoers comes after a contingent of mostly online fans attempted to disturb United’s sponsors by flooding their social media accounts with anti-Glazer and anti-Ratcliffe comments.
There was also online chat about a potential walkout during the Villa game, but no fans left after 21 minutes. United fans are furious with the club’s direction after a dismal start to the season, which has left the Reds sitting in the Premier League relegation zone during the November international break.
