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Irish Mirror
Irish Mirror
Sport
David McDonnell

Police called to Man Utd training ground as fans breach security in Glazer protest

Police were called to Manchester United 's training ground on Friday after a group of protestors descended onto the facility holding a banner reading 'Glazers Out'.

United had increased security in anticipation amid fears of a fan protest, with more than a dozen protesters, mostly dressed in black, lining the road into United’s training ground. Protesters started to gather at the road leading to United's training ground just before midday and made their way to the front gates of the complex 45 minutes later.

Police arrived on the scene to disperse the protesters, while dozens of security guards were patrolling the Carrington Training Complex, with the usual entrance was shut off by steel gates. Another banner took aim at United's players, reading: "Disgrace, not fit to wear the shirt."

A fan group called ‘The 1958’ are planning a peaceful protest against the Glazer family at Saturday's Premier League game against Norwich at Old Trafford - and United were clearly taking no chances on Friday.

There were security guards and stewards guarding every entrance and building at the training ground, amid fears of a repeat of the scenes almost exactly a year ago, when protesters gained access to the complex.

Reacting to the latest protests, Ralf Rangnick said: "We all know that football is a game of passion and emotion and we can all understand there are supporters disappointed, both about where we stand in the table and the performance we showed against Everton, after we conceded that first goal.

“But I still believe our supporters are one of the best - if not the best - in England - and as long as they do that protest in a peaceful way and they support the team in the stadium, they have the right to express that opinion. Emotionally, I can understand why they are disappointed."

Fans held flares aloft as part of the protest (Eamonn and James Clarke)

It was exactly what United had planned for after a group of those opposed to the Glazer ownership of the club managed to breach security and gain access to the training complex a year ago, with their banner that day proclaiming: “We decide when you play.”

Former boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer had to come out to talk to the protesters, along with former first team coach Michael Carrick, before they were led away.

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