Manchester United protests: FA investigating storming of Old Trafford as police leaders condemn ‘completely unacceptable’ violence

The violence that broke out at Manchester United on Sunday was “completely unacceptable” and should be condemned in “the strongest possible terms”, police leaders have said.

Two officers were injured including one who needed emergency treatment for a “significant slash wound to his face” after being attacked with a bottle at Old Trafford, Greater Manchester Police (GMP) said.

The violence happened during protests before United‘s scheduled game against Liverpool, which eventually had to be postponed for safety reasons.

The FA told Sky Sports News it is looking into the events that led to the postponement, and it is liaising with the club, the Premier League and safety authorities.

Footage was posted on social media showing the injured officer with a slash wound to his cheek.

Writing on Twitter, GMP superintendent JP Ruffle said the footage showed an officer from the force’s specialist operations team.

“An absolute disgrace, disgusting scenes,” he wrote.

“No officers should be subjected to such unnecessary despicable violence at any event.”

Several hundred fans breached security and stormed the pitch in protest at the club’s American owners.

Outside the stadium, police said there were more than 1,000 supporters. Most were protesting peacefully but a group started throwing bottles and barriers at police and horses.

Stu Berry, head of the Greater Manchester Police Federation, said officers were not “punchbags for people protesting”.

“At the end of their shifts, hard-working police officers should be able to go home to their families in one piece. Not be rushed to hospital,” he added.

Mr Berry said the trouble-makers should be identified and prosecuted but that only a “minority” were to blame.

The chairman of the National Police Federation, John Apter, also condemned the violence.

He said: “Yet again we’ve seen a so-called peaceful protest turn to violence with that aimed at my colleagues. Officers were injured and required hospital treatment. This is completely unacceptable.”

GMP assistant chief constable Russ Jackson said it was obvious some people had turned up to cause trouble and condemned their “reckless and dangerous” behaviour.

Sky Sports cameras captured the moment fans made in into the stadium after breaking through barriers and a handful of stewards.

Source: (Sky News)