Protest at Old Trafford

[NewGlory]

Facts:

- The majority of the thousands of peaceful protesters outside were 100% justified and are role model supporters of the club.
- Couple of hundred that breached the gates and got on the pitch / vandalized things / threw bottles / attacked police were clearly breaking the laws.
- In large protests, there is always a minority group that will engage in violence, it is unfortunate but common occurrence. Honestly as ugly as it was - could have been MUCH WORSE.
- Manchester Police had to predict that a large protest could get violent and extra security was required for Old Trafford. It is their job and they should have mobilized sufficient force to have prevented the breach. I am sorry for all of the injured officers. However, the leadership of the police and of the security forces are accountable for what happened, in not stopping it and only reacting to it.
- I am sorry it disrupted the game and sorry for the players who were ready to go and didn't get to play the game

 

[pass.pass.pass]

The fact that the United management (non-football side) did not even see this coming reveals everything about the degree to which the fans are present in this consciousness (not at all). And for that fact alone, this is all worth it.

Wake up and smell the coffee, fellas. There's more coming.

 

[lysglimt]

Poor Jay.

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What he should write - if you send me 2 billion dollars, I will give you back your club

 

[Tarrou]

the Glazers are destroying this club and everything we love about it, and two weeks ago they made an attack on the game as we know it

they don't give one single feck about us the fans or the clubs history, they don't even bother going to the games

the protests will probably fail but feck it, at least we'll go down fighting

to me the last 15 years has felt like slowly losing a loved one

 

[Bobcat]

I support the protests outside the stadium but causing the game to be delayed is an attack on our own players, manager and all the staff, both backroom and hospitality etc. Not cool.

No its not. Games gets rescheduled all the time. The Glazer cnuts have bled the club dry for years now and the ESL was an attempted coup of not just the club, but football as a whole.

 

[El Presidente]

That's true and a very valid point. But I see so many fans critcising a lack of investment, which is patently untrue. We've spent a huge amount of money over the past decade, the bulk of it has just been spent on a disastrous clash of transfer strategies and ideologies.

Mate, our last RW was Nani.
End of discussion.

 

[Raven]

Sickened that we didn't get a game but honestly, just feck the Glazers. Horrible little blood sucking cnuts. Violence is never nice but it's often necessary so I really couldn't give 2 fecks about people doing it. I really hope we see some form of structural change in football so that fans are further empowered but I'd take the Glazers pissing off ASAP as a consolation prize.

 

[Water Melon]

I do wonder if there are the Glazer's shills on this forum. Those cnuts (will not call them the owners) put a huge debt onto the club. Moreover, the club is obliged to maintain this debt by paying huge interest every fooking year. The OT needs some serious spending, the club needs to spend big to match City. The leeches will allow none of it. The club will have to continue to pay off the cnuts' debt, while the cnuts continue to suck more blood. Without those parasites and their fooking debt we can literally match City's spending both in transfers and infrastructure development. Parasites need to go. The players will not revolt, neither will Ole. It is all on fans now. We either do whatever we can, or we turn into another Milan. A day will come, the cash cow will not be as healthy and profitable anymore and the parasites will leave the club in ruins and rot which may last for decades. I do not want it to happen to Manchester United. We are not the parasites cash cow, we never took any of the cnuts debt. If pesticides are needed to get rid of the parasites, then let it be.

 

[mrniceguy]

Mate, our last RW was Nani.
End of discussion.

I don't think that's the Glazers fault. Maybe it's the scouting department.

Look, I'm not that good with maths, politics and all. I'm a simple guy. I see pictures of sexy ladies, I click. I'm that kind of guy.

So, I just learned what the Glazers had done to our club and it's sickening. But to say they had not invest in our team over the years is a bit of a stretch..

Don't you think?

 

[rron10]

Should've been done long, long time ago. Like I always say that clubs like Real Madrid/Barcelona/Bayern would never allow their teams to get treated like that by their owners, this is what I mean.

Shame it happens now when we play our best football post Fergie. Ole and the players don't deserve to get caught in that shitstorm. Should have happened long time ago during the LVG days.

I agree 100%

 

[sglowrider]

Should've been done long, long time ago. Like I always say that clubs like Real Madrid/Barcelona/Bayern would never allow their teams to get treated like that by their owners, this is what I mean.

Shame it happens now when we play our best football post Fergie. Ole and the players don't deserve to get caught in that shitstorm. Should have happened long time ago during the LVG days.

Eh? RM and Barca are near broke.

 

[Raven]

I think oddly some on the Caf will use whatever they can to justify violence. Not sure I understand really. Not of it is acceptable and you often find the ones trying to justify it have never been near anything like that in their lives nor will they ever.

I've been near plenty of this and I fully support these protests. Football is part of our culture and these rats are trying to steal from it wherever possible. I fail to understand how "fans" like you don't support these protests.

 

[Andersons Dietician]

About 5:00, it shows the moment when the police change from watching to aggressively pushing protesters back and hitting some with batons. I assume this was part of a coordinated effort to push the protests back, but it resulted in lots of confrontations that weren't happening immediately before the push.

It shows it in the video why they became more aggressive not to mention have you not seen the video of the security guard with the slashed face?
Think many support the cause, stop the game from going ahead, make it impossible for the teams to travel but do not vandalise, assault tresspass, break and entry or cause criminal damage.

 

[Giggs86]

Eh? RM and Barca are near broke.

And? When was the last time you saw them play in the EL or finishing outside the top 4? Or not involved in a title race for a decade?

Their fans won't allow that.

 

[alexthelion]

“Fans” who do not support the protests today do not understand the battle at stake. We are trying to get our club back, It’s the end not the


It’s just football? Football is a way of life. A true fan would understand that. We breathe football and want our club back. Bigger picture this was definitely the right move.

How exactly? By stopping the playetrs leaving an hotel? Damaging property inside the stadium? Attacking and injuring police? Wow!, well done.

 

[red4ever 79]

What a day. Proud to be a Utd fan. Protest did it's job which was to have the match postponed. Of course there will always be a minority who take it too far and quite rightly they should not be praised. Already hearing lot of sponsors were unhappy the match was called off and the bad publicity it caused. Proud of our club and proud of the fans who acted responsibley.

 

[mitchmouse]

Erm, we literally did it last season. Teams do it routinely.

Monday 17th Feb we beat Chelsea 2-0 and then drew 1-1 with Club Brugge on the Thursday.

Was that really last year? Completely forgotten that.. surprised the game hasn't already been rescheduled then. To be fair, I was swamped at work at the time: I got home just in time to see the Harry Maguire goal if I remember rightly (having been up since 5am).

That said, a 1-1 with Club Brugge does sort of make my point

 

[mitchmouse]

Chelsea had to play Spurs in a FA Cup SF on the Sunday 4.30pm, followed by Barcelona on Tuesday away in a Champions League SF in 2012.

Haven't they changed that now? If not, they bloody should! But fair point

 

[diarm]

Irrelevant. I really don't see the point in trying to frame the blame elsewhere. What's happened, happened. Whoever did what just condemn the violence as no one wants to see anyone get hurt.

Not irrelevant and not trying to frame blame.

It happens at every protest you ever see once those tactics are employed so it's perfectly relevant to ask whether or not it's time new tactics should be explored.

Especially when every time it happens, people use the actions of a small minority to belittle and deflect from the impact of the protest.

 

[clarkydaz]

Seriously?

do you think anyone would care in New York or China about some streets being blocked off miles from the ground if they still got to watch the Utd Liverpool game? Matchday at Old trafford is the golden goose, the product, what everyone tunes in for

 

[DarkDog]

Just to remind all of you who are opposing the protestors

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[the_answer]

Proud to be a United Fan.

We are finally harming the Glazers where it hurts, their pockets.
Lets continue with this.
Lets focus on all the good things that can come out!

Also hope that the Police understands that the protestors are their neighbours and friends while the Glazers are dodgy American businessmen who wont have their interests at hearts, so really...

 

[TheReligion]

I've been near plenty of this and I fully support these protests. Football is part of our culture and these rats are trying to steal from it wherever possible. I fail to understand how "fans" like you don't support these protests.

Ps. Feck the police.

What are you rambling on about? Making yourself look very silly by firstly missing the point by a long way and secondly not having a clue what you're talking about.

PS grow up

 

[SirFergie]

Chelsea had to play Spurs in a FA Cup SF on the Sunday 4.30pm, followed by Barcelona on Tuesday away in a Champions League SF in 2012.

We had to do the same in 2009. We played Villa on a Sunday before we had to fly to Porto to play the QF 2nd leg on a Tuesday.

 

[hellhunter]

We had to do the same in 2009. We played Villa on a Sunday before we had to fly to Porto to play the QF 2nd leg on a Tuesday.

That goal though

 

[Escobar]

Just to remind all of you who are opposing the protestors

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This is the most important message here! How can anyone say well they invested in players... they didnt! They only bought some stocks and want to see a return on it. Thats it! It is an investment and they run it like one. And that is why they need to go!
I personally dont think it is realiatic they leave but I hope I am wrong

 

[Murder on Zidane's Floor]

Strange post, they’re not all thugs and they are fans. It has done something, it’s headline news and being seen all over the world and there’s probably more to come. The Glazers want to quietly move on, your attitude of it’s all pointless let’s just accept it is their idea of a fan.

I'm sure Joel Glazer is sat in his NYC penthouse, on the blower to the board, blubbing about how they have to sell now because some lad holding a can of red stripe is sat on the crossbar at the Stretford End.

 

[Murder on Zidane's Floor]

I do mate.

Had an amazing day today with a bunch of mates getting the biggest game in English football called off.

You have a little moan on the Internet fella.

Next time, just call in a bomb scare. Glad you did nothing but make the club's fanbase look like utter cretins.

 

[Buchan]

Very proud of all legacy fans these past few weeks.

Yesterday was top.

 

[Escobar]

Proud to be a United Fan.

We are finally harming the Glazers where it hurts, their pockets.
Lets continue with this.
Lets focus on all the good things that can come out!

Also hope that the Police understands that the protestors are their neighbours and friends while the Glazers are dodgy American businessmen who wont have their interests at hearts, so really...

Their pockets? How so?

 

[LisburnWhite]

As someone who has lived in Belfast for 50 years I know plenty about street protests. You will always get a few nutters that go over the top but that does not negate the fact of what the protest was trying to highlight.
Everyone knows the Glazers should never have been allowed to buy the club and have been slowly draining it like a vampire sucking the life out of someone. People complaining on forums and online will do very little but boots on the ground is another thing altogether. This brings the issue onto mainstream television and other mass media outlets and wether the general opinion is for or against is mainly irrelevant as it starts a movement for a change in the situation. This can take years or sometimes happen quite quickly like a wildfire effect but when people get off their backsides and mobilise the authorities or power in charge have to take notice, much more so than any other way of trying to influence.
I support those who got to the ground yesterday and stood in protest in our place. Even though this is the 21st century it's still the best way to force change.

 

[TheReligion]

About 5:00, it shows the moment when the police change from watching to aggressively pushing protesters back and hitting some with batons. I assume this was part of a coordinated effort to push the protests back, but it resulted in lots of confrontations that weren't happening immediately before the push.


It seems like both United and GMP failed to prepare for the protests. Some of the scenes of fighting between police and protesters were in a section where police were separated and cornered with no way to retreat or exit.

From what I can see the police (regular officers in hi vis) were pinned in near the side of the ground and and were being pelted with bottles (no idea why). You can even hear the crowd shouting "attack, attack, attack". The Tactical Aid Unit arrive to support them (blue overalls) and start to move the crowd back with drawn batons. Obviously in that situation you can't just stay pinned up against something whilst missiles are coming in. You have to create space between you and the crowd. I'm sure you've seen the injured officer who has nearly lost his eye? Even the reporter mentioned some of the crowd further down had picked up the railings and were throwing them at the police.

It all got very messy and didn't need to go that way. Absolutely no need for any sort of violence yesterday and I found that aspect really disappointing.

 

[M15 Red.]

What a day. Utd supporters, we need to keep this momentum going. Mobalise and act. Continue to protest every game at OT. Harrass and boycott the brands that support the owners. Turn the Glazer name into a stain on whatever it touches. Everyone can play their part. Our aims must be kept in the spotlight. We may never get a better chance to get them out.

 

[Escobar]

From what I can see the police (regular officers in hi vis) were pinned in near the side of the ground and and were being pelted with bottles (no idea why). You can even hear the crowd shouting "attack, attack, attack". The Tactical Aid Unit arrive to support them (blue overalls) and start to move the crowd back with drawn batons. Obviously in that situation you can't just stay pinned up against something whilst missiles are coming in. You have to create space between you and the crowd. I'm sure you've seen the injured officer who has nearly lost his eye? Even the reporter mentioned some of the crowd further down had picked up the railings and were throwing them at the police.

It all got very messy and didn't need to go that way. Absolutely no need for any sort of violence yesterday and I found that aspect really disappointing.

Agreed. Most fans say yes to protest but no to violence or destruction. Simple

 

[georgipep]

Have others spent nothing during that time? They bought into success.

Which club has spent more than us, other than City? And that's also crazy, considering we should be coming from a position of strength. Weaker clubs must, obviously, spend more to catch-up.

Sir Alex went a number of years without buying a midfielder. We made statement signings too late.

That's just your assumption. How did he buy wingers, strikers and defenders? Did he pay out of his own pocket? Just didn't want to pay for midfielders?

The club had lost the ambition to improve the first 11 and we were left with average squad players for long periods to make up the numbers.

That's just not true. We bought starters every summer almost without exception (Mourinho's last summer probably being the one). You may not like or approve of the players but that's an entirely different point.

There was a lot wrong but look we never got the players LVG wanted.

This is not a video game. Manchester United are not entitled to get whoever and whatever they want. Players, their agents and other clubs are part of the European football ecosystem and ignoring them is childish. It's not like the club didn't spend a small fortune on players during LvG's reign. If he didn't want them, he could've said "no, thanks, I'd use what I got". He didn't. He sold what he got.

We never backed Jose when he wanted a defender.

With Pogba, Shaw and Martial being completely destroyed as part of our squad, I don't hold any grudges against the club for not indulging his request for a defender, especially after making it public matter. That's not how you deal with your
employers. The writing was on the wall.

Ole was obvious as he was a fans fave but also would promote youth further which helps spend less so has appeal to greedy owners.

And spending less is a bad thing? First of all, we have not spent less. Just look at our spending and compare to others. You just don't like that we don't spend more and/or buy the players you want. Again, life is not a video game.

 

[duffer]

Zero comments from any Liverpool or Man United players or managers about this is interesting.

I'm genuinely curious as to what they'll say.

 

[DULLAGHAN]

I'd been really looking forward to the game yesterday and looking forward to the end of our europa Cup campaign. That said if getting every game until the end of the season called off gets those pathetic excuses for men out of our club I'm all for it. The club has been fighting with one hand tied behind is back for over a decade and it's time the debts are cleared and the club operated at full capacity.

So many other fans and pundits don't seem to realise the debt is not the clubs doing, it's the owners. They compare it to Madrids or Tottenhams. Our debt was not used to better the club it was used to steal it!

 

[VP89]

Zero comments from any Liverpool or Man United players or managers about this is interesting.

I'm genuinely curious as to what they'll say.

Isn't there a social media blackout?

 

[acrebo]

I’m fully supportive of the vast majority of protestors yesterday, but wasn’t exactly keen on watching a group of bellends walking around the pitch, Tesco bags & lager cans in hand, kicking footballs about and stealing corner flags. It looked opportunistic, disorganised and chavvy.

I’d have preferred if those that got on to the pitch had a plan. Maybe a banner to be laid out across the centre circle as they all stood around the pitch in some kind of ‘formation’.

Anyway, I also find it odd that it wasn’t decided yesterday to reschedule the game for today. No reason whatsoever that they couldn’t put in place the required security for it to take place today.

 

[TheReligion]

No I don’t think you do! I’m asking a question about new ownership. Club isn’t going to be bought by fans, so if someone invests 3 billion of their money are they allowed a return?

Are new club owner's allowed a return? Yes.

Everything isn't black and white though as you try and make it. No one would mind the Glazers taking out from the club if they properly serviced the debt* and invested funds into the club facilities etc. As it stands they have no interest in doing this and instead want to maximise the money going into their own pockets whilst operating the club on the bare minimum to get by.

United generates that much money as club it shouldn't be in any debt and should be able to spend money freely. The Glazers would still take money from it but not as much as they do now so they won't change it.


*Debt that they forced on the club when they took over. Their debt.