It is now nearly a year since a Manchester United fan claimed he was assaulted by stewards during a sit-in protest following a goalless draw with Manchester City in April 2025, and it is still unclear if any action will be taken.
Video footage of the incident shows the supporter being confronted by a number of staff in Section 235 of the East Stand. After a few minutes of tense exchanges, the fan alleges that he was grabbed around the neck and wrestled to the ground where he says he was stamped on, kicked, punched and kneed.
The 49-year-old, who has told Confidential that he wants to remain anonymous for now, says that he still has blurred vision in his right eye, and also suffered swelling on his head and pain in his right leg that took weeks to heal.
‘I am dismayed that GMP’s investigation of the assault against me is taking so long,’ says the fan, who has enlisted the help of his local MP. ‘The fact that those responsible are not being held to account only goes to show the level of seriousness they have given me. My faith in the police is at zero.’
Greater Manchester Police say the investigation is ongoing and a file will be sent to the Crown Prosecution Service when it’s complete to decide if any charges will be brought. United have said they cannot comment while the police are still investigating, and Controlled Solutions Group – the Manchester-based firm that provides security on matchdays at Old Trafford – have directed all inquiries to the club.
The sit-in protest was organised as a show of opposition to the Glazer family’s ownership of United and the club’s ticketing policy. Almost a year later, after another five per cent rise in season-ticket prices and confirmation that another 600 fans are set to be moved from the Sir Bobby Charlton Stand to make room for hospitality seating, the discontent hasn’t gone away – and the investigation goes on.
The sit-in protest at the end of a goalless Manchester derby last April was organised as a show of opposition to the Glazer family’s ownership of United and the club’s ticketing policy
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