Manchester United's Premier League match against Liverpool was postponed on Sunday after a protest by fans against the club's owners, the Glazer family, escalated into chaotic scenes at Old Trafford. Around 100 protesters breached the stadium, causing criminal damage and forcing staff to lock themselves in rooms for safety. Greater Manchester Police reported two officers injured, one with a slash to his face requiring hospital treatment.
The protest, which began peacefully outside the ground, swelled to thousands by mid-afternoon. The Old Trafford pitch was invaded, with firecrackers let off, flares thrown, and one individual swinging on a goalpost. The team bus was also blocked at the Lowry hotel in Manchester city centre by a crowd of about 200 supporters. The match was officially called off at 5.40pm, the first Premier League game postponed due to fan behaviour.
Fans' anger stems from the Glazers' ownership, particularly the family's role in the failed European Super League project. Joel Glazer, a co-chairman, had apologised in an open letter after the Super League collapsed. However, tensions have been simmering for years over perceived lack of investment and the club's decline relative to rivals Manchester City and Liverpool.
The postponement adds uncertainty to United's fixture list, with a Europa League semi-final second leg against Roma scheduled for later this week. The Premier League and Football Association are expected to investigate the incident. Former United captain Roy Keane and pundit Gary Neville expressed solidarity with the fans' frustrations, while the club confirmed the decision was made for safety and security reasons.
