Fans were left outraged by ITV’s coverage after they cut away from Old Trafford during a tribute to those who died in the Munich air disaster.
Ahead of the FA Cup fourth-round tie against Middlesbrough, United interim manager Ralf Rangnick and opposition boss Chris Wilder laid wreaths on the pitch.
The tribute marked the 64th anniversary of the 1958 disaster, which saw 23 passengers die in a crash, including eight members of the famed Busby Babes as well as three members of the club’s staff.
The opening stages of the tribute were shown as part of ITV’s live coverage of United’s cup tie, but the broadcaster cut to an advert break just as the two managers were laying their wreaths and fans unfurled a banner in memory of the players who lost their lives.
And supporters watching from home were left outraged by the coverage of the tribute being cut short by a commercial break.
As well as commemorating the anniversary on Friday, a fan-led ceremony will also be held at Old Trafford on Sunday.
Writing in his notes for the Middlesbrough game, Rangnick said: “This is our closest game to the anniversary of the Munich Air Disaster and, as is customary, the club will be marking the occasion ahead of kick-off.
“I have always admired how this club pays tribute every year to such a major incident in its history, and it is important that this tradition always continues because it is such a big part of the Manchester United story. I hope that we are also able to mark the occasion with an important victory this evening.”
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