Soccer

‘A fish rots from the head’ – Manchester United fans plan protests before Liverpool game

Manchester United Supporters Trust release a statement criticising the Glazer family

Manchester United fans protest against the Glazers family during their last Premier League match against Brentford. Photograph: PA
Manchester United fans protest against the Glazers family during their last Premier League match against Brentford. Photograph: PA
Jamie Jackson
Tue Aug 16 2022 - 09:02

The 1958, a Manchester United fan group, will stage a fresh protest against the Glazers before Liverpool’s visit to Old Trafford, with the Manchester United Supporters Trust separately branding the American family’s ownership as akin to a “fish that rots from the head”.

After events organised by The 1958 before the opening-day hosting of Brighton and last season’s fixture with Norwich in April, there is expected to be a march to the stadium on Monday August 22nd that will aim to arrive across from the club megastore for 7.30pm, half an hour before Erik ten Hag’s team kick off against their fierce rivals.

A statement on the group’s website said: “For Liverpool, we will plant The 1958 flag at the trinity (statue) for those wanting to make a stand from 7.30pm. In support of match going and non match going fans who have made the journey to show their discontent against this failing ownership.

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“We urge anyone to please contact us for any future ideas or plans concerning match day actions so we can help to validate the feasibility and provide help, support and advice. We are all on the same side and it’s crucial the momentum and pressure is maintained above all else. This is a war not a battle, dig yourselves in and be prepared for the long haul.”

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The protest before the game against Brighton featured a large number gathering by the Trinity statue with flares being let off and the megastore forced to close for a while. United lost that game 2-1 and that defeat was followed by Saturday’s humiliating 4-0 reverse at Brentford.

A large constituency of supporters have been unhappy with the Glazers’ proprietorship since Malcom Glazer bought United in 2005 via a leveraged purchase that loaded a considerable debt on the club that 17 years later stands at roughly £500m.

Meanwhile, the Brentford defeat moved the Manchester United Supporters Trust to release a statement that was particularly strong given it is in negotiations with the club regarding a fan-share policy that is expected to be passed following last week’s ballot with Must members.

Manchester United manager Erik Ten Hag has blasted his players after they lost 4-0 to Brentford. (Reuters)

It said: “As we’ve always said, a fish rots from the head. And the ultimate responsibility for the terrible state of our football club must lie with its owners, the Glazer family. It is now for them and their management team to explain to United fans just why we are in this state, and what they are going to do about it. We’ve had some difficult times in the last decade, but this really does feel like rock bottom.

“We’re being asked a lot about protests at upcoming games (including Liverpool) and as we have always said we will publicise any credible, lawful and peaceful protest so that our members have the information and can make their own decision as to whether they wish to take part.

“We will announce the ballot result in the coming days and expand the consultation to ensure no fan is excluded from giving their view.” — Guardian