Man Utd vs Liverpool postponed after pitch protest at Old Trafford
The Premier League clash between Manchester United and Liverpool at Old Trafford has been postponed after fans protested on the pitch at Old Trafford.
Manchester United's match against Liverpool has been postponed after fans broke into Old Trafford to protest against the Glazer family.
The game will no longer take place on Sunday as scheduled. The date for the rescheduled fixture has not yet been announced at the time of publication.
The two sides named starting XIs as planned, but in the end the protest stopped the game going ahead today, Sunday 2 May. Kick-off was planned for for 16:30 local time.
Man United fans protest against club owners
United supporters entered the Old Trafford pitch to protest against club owners, the Glazer family, after earlier gathering outside the team's hotel ahead of Sunday's home game with Liverpool.
Hundreds of United fans had been protesting against the club’s ownership, with supporters also holding up the departure of the team bus from the Lowry Hotel.
Fans clash with police
The demonstration continued right up to the original kick-off time, with some supporters gaining access to the stadium and then the pitch.
The club's fans have been vocal against the Glazer family’s ownership of the club, particularly since their involvement in the failed Super League project.
Man United-Liverpool postponed
The Premier League has now confirmed that the match has been postponed. Had the game gone ahead today, United would have been out to avoid suffering the defeat that will hand neighbours Manchester City the title.
Man United release statement
A Manchester United statement read: "Following discussion between the Police, The Premier League, Trafford Council and the clubs, our match against Liverpool has been postponed due to safety and security considerations around the protest today.
"Discussions will now take place with the Premier League on a revised date for the fixture.
"Our fans are passionate about Manchester United, and we completely acknowledge the right to free expression and peaceful protest.
"However, we regret the disruption to the team and actions which put other fans, staff, and the police in danger. We thank the police for their support and will assist them in any subsequent investigations."