Five stewards have been severely punished after being accused of assaulting a Manchester United supporter last season.
Incident
According to the Daily Mail, the incident took place in April 2025 during the Manchester Derby.
United fans had staged a protest against the club’s controversial decision to hike ticket prices. It’s claimed that the five stewards attacked the man in the East Stand.
The individuals appeared at Manchester Magistrates’ Court in January to face the music and now, it has been confirmed that they have been relieved of their duties.
It’s understood that none of the five stewards was directly employed by United. All were contracted to Controlled Solutions Group, the club’s appointed matchday security provider, and HR Security and Protection Services.
A CSG spokesperson told the Daily Mail, “The five staff that were supplied to CSG by HR Security and Protection Services are no longer allowed to work on any CSG operations.”
Berrada responds
Chris Wheeler and Nathan Salt note that this incident was discussed at length at the latest fans’ forum at Old Trafford in July.
Fans highlighted “frustrations, anger and confusion with the communications between club and fans, with particular reference to the first wave of communications which were aggressive in tone, vague and anxiety provoking.”
United were also challenged on the growing perception that the club is pricing out everyday supporters in pursuit of higher-yield hospitality and premium clientele.
Chief executive Omar Berrada replied, “There are no hidden intentions, the club is not trying to make financial gains from this process nor trying to reduce the number of season tickets available.”
“We acknowledge there are learnings to be made from this investigation, and the initial communications should have been better to explain to fans what we are trying to do, and we will improve on this as a club. The relationship with our fans is fundamental and we want to protect them and the club.”
United are next in action on Thursday when they face Sabah in their Champions League opener.
Featured image Carl Recine via Getty Images
