A protester who kicked a police officer in the testicles was among the latest Manchester United fans to be hauled before the courts for their part in the 'mob violence' which led to a Premier League game being abandoned. The officer was left feeling 'instantly sick' after Jake Hayes kicked him, as police responded to ugly scenes outside Old Trafford.
Up to 2,000 fans headed to the ground ahead of the proposed game between United and Liverpool, which was being played behind closed doors in May last year due to the coronavirus pandemic. The fixture was later abandoned on safety grounds after initially peaceful protests turned violent, with fans breaking into the stadium and making it onto the pitch on two occasions.
Missiles including bottles and cans were thrown towards police, and one officer suffered serious injuries to his face from a flying bottle during the fracas. A total of 40 fans have admitted violent disorder for their part in the large scale disturbance.
