UK government cannot condone Manchester United fans' actions

Gulf Today Report

British foreign office minister James Cleverly said on Monday he could not condone the actions of soccer fans who forced their way into Manchester United's stadium to protest against the club's owners, causing the postponement of a match.

"(We) cannot, cannot condone the images that we've seen about storming the ground," Cleverly told Sky News. "But we do need to understand the frustrations that fans have not just with Manchester United, but with a number of clubs across the game."

READ MORE

United-Liverpool clash off after protesters storm Old Trafford, Arsenal blank Newcastle

Neymar on target as PSG warm up for City with crucial victory

Earlier, Manchester United's Premier League clash against Liverpool was postponed after furious United fans stormed Old Trafford in protest at the club's owners on Sunday, while Gareth Bale scored a hat-trick as Tottenham thrashed Sheffield United 4-0.

Manchester United fans protest outside the Lowry Hotel where team was staying in Manchester, England. AP

Manchester City would have been crowned English champions for the third time in four seasons if second-placed United had lost to Liverpool.

But Pep Guardiola's side saw their hopes of a title party put on hold after the biggest game in English football was postponed amid chaotic scenes at Old Trafford.

The Glazer family, already unpopular for their leveraged buyout of the club 16 years ago that saddled United with huge debt repayments, were widely criticised for their leading role in the failed breakaway European Super League project.

That prompted United fans to call for a demonstration before the Liverpool game and around 200 protesters made their way onto the pitch where they waved anti-Glazer banners and set off green and yellow flares — the colours of United's Newton Heath founders.

Supporters are hoping to pressure American-based Glazers into selling the club.