Manchester United’s much-anticipated Premier League clash with Liverpool was postponed on Sunday due to the riotous protests at both Old Trafford and outside the Lowry Hotel, where the players were staying.<\/p>\n
The reaction of the United players during the massive protest by incensed fans on Sunday has been revealed as much of the focus about Sunday\u2019s anti-Glazers protests was targeted at Old Trafford, as around 200 supporters stormed onto the pitch in order to get their point across. But that was exactly what the protesters wanted, as hundreds more congregated outside the Lowry Hotel, where the players always stay before home games.<\/p>\n
The team hotel was always likely to be a prime target for protesting supporters, and those stationed outside the Lowry certainly were not lacking in zeal or fervour to get the game postponed with flares being let off on Chapel Street, the road where the team coaches pull out of to get to the stadium.<\/p>\n
And one must surely be wondering what the players made of all this?<\/p>\n
According to the Manchester Evening News, it seems it was a mixed reaction, though there was a general consensus that some of the players looked \u201cimprisoned\u201d.<\/p>\n
Scott McTominay, Luke Shaw, Dean Henderson and Lee Grant were all photographed watching the proceedings keenly from a window, as were Marcus Rashford and Brandon Williams, as some even filmed the ruckus that was unfolding down below them.<\/p>\n
Out-of-favour midfielder Donny van de Beek was not at all enthused to see what was going on though, and actually hid away from the action.<\/p>\n
United released a statement following the events, explaining exactly what had happened at Old Trafford and outside the team hotel.<\/p>\n
It read:<\/p>\n
\u201dFollowing events yesterday, while many fans wanted to exercise their right to protest and express their opinion peacefully, some were intent on disrupting the team\u2019s preparation and the game itself, as evidenced by activity at the Lowry Hotel and at the stadium.<\/p>\n
“Reports in mainstream and social media that protesters were able to access the stadium and pitch via a gate opened by club staff are completely incorrect.<\/p>\n
“After breaking through barriers and security on the forecourt, some protesters climbed the gates at the end of the Munich tunnel, then forced access to a side door in the stand, before opening an external door that let others through to the concourse area and the pitch.<\/p>\n
“A second breach occurred when a protester smashed the door of a disability access lift, enabling a group to enter the stand.<\/p>\n
“The majority of our fans have and will condemn criminal damage, along with any violence towards club staff, police or other fans, and these now become a police matter.<\/p>\n
“The club has no desire to see peaceful protesters punished, but will work with the police to identify those involved in criminal activity, and will also issue its own sanctions to any season ticket holder or member identified, per the published sanctions policy.<\/p>\n
“Information on the rescheduling of the game and any possible implication on other fixtures will be announced after discussion and agreement with the Premier League.<\/p>\n
“We remain committed to dialogue and engagement with our fans through the Fans Forum and other appropriate channels.”<\/p>\n
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