Footage emerges of Man Utd fans and stewards clashing during the sit-in protest

Footage emerges of Man Utd fans and stewards clashing during the sit-in protest after the Manchester derby on Sunday afternoon.

Manchester United fans have a long-standing history of protesting against the Glazer family’s ownership, which began in 2005 when Malcolm Glazer’s leveraged buyout saddled the club with significant debt.

This discontent has flared up repeatedly, notably in 2021 when fans stormed the pitch ahead of a Liverpool match, leading to its postponement due to security breaches and clashes with police.

Protests continue, and at the weekend, a sit-in protest occurred at Old Trafford following a match against Manchester City, with fans chanting “We want Glazers out” to express their ongoing frustration.

It led to confrontations with stewards, especially if fans refused to leave Old Trafford post-match, with a number of involve chants heard, banners put no display, and a strong police presence to maintain order, but when emotions run high—fuelled by the club’s financial struggles, ticket price hikes, and on-field decline—interactions with stewards can turn volatile.

United stewards being heavy handed shocker. Who the fuck do these weasels think they are? pic.twitter.com/6EZV49tMjQ

— Steve (@CansAndBansV11) April 8, 2025

As seen in the video above, stewards appear to ask why the cameraman is filming them, to which the person with the camera replies: ‘I’m recording you, that’s for [another fan], for his safety, not yours. That’s for him.’

A few minutes pass, with one fan then pushed by a steward and restrained by a number of attendants, one of whom then have their arm around the man’s neck.

‘Hey, there we go,’ says the fan with the camera. ‘That was f***ing bang out of order. F***ing ****.

‘No need in that. It’s all on f***ing tape. It’s just protesting, it’s a sit-in innit, against the Glazers. That’s why I had it recording the whole time.

‘We’re just trying to f***ing protest. It’s just a protest!’

The fan is able to get free a few seconds later, then asks whether they got the incident on camera when heading down into the concourse.

As a group departs, one attendant seems to be shouting something toward a fan, though the words are inaudible in the video. The protest then appears to wind down uneventfully, with chants persisting around the area, as shown in the footage.

@The__1958 tweets: “We are aware of the video which was sent to us yesterday. This has been raised first thing this morning through official channels and contacts.

“United fans should not be targeted or bullied for protesting legally and peacefully.

“We are awaiting a comment from the club and will share their response.

“The 1958 🇾🇪”

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Eric Cantona becomes co-owner of 7th tier club; Man Utd fans stage a SIT-IN protest

Twitter users reacted as footage emerges of fans and stewards clashing during the Man Utd sit-in protest…

@iamryanmate: Cannot believe 235 has gone and done that on camera. What a clown. Whoever this bloke is he should be pressing charges.

@paddymcdoogle: This is a fucking disgrace, get rid of stewards that have served the club for years looking after fans, those that would rush to help in medical emergencies and replace them with these clowns, this is gonna go down hill fast 🤬

@coopemania: Nailed it mate. I know three of those lads (not the one in United shirt) and all really nice fellas who have enjoyed United for many years this is nothing short of a disgrace.

@AMP__93: I used to see the same stewards every week on our section. Never any trouble. Then along came the agency staff. They’ve no idea what they’re doing and can’t handle a simple sit in protest

@Mostonianrat: I had the banner that made its way from East stand to Stretford End & was told if we crossed the barrier we’d be ejected, no reason why tho! Told them they’d be inciting a riot if they even tried to stop us!! They have no power, no respect & no common sense! The Fight Goes On 💪🏼🔰

@Busbyx3: In all seriousness @ManUtd when are stewards allowed to assault someone at a peaceful protest? How are 10 stewards allowed to grab 1 person and assault him..Look forward to your response here..

@PL2NL: Minimum wage agency. Wouldn’t have happened under the old stewarding. Why do these busy lot care so much. Bang out of order this is

@Busbyx3: State of this club throwing people out who wanted to do the sit in protest.

@Busby_UTD: Yeah this video looks more like United fans being dickheads and security finally having enough. Shocker.

@MoonmanMUFC: There’s no defending the security on that. Heavy handed and over the top. They’re not fit to do that job.

@andywarby84: Absolute disgusting behaviour by these stewards. They should be sacked and never be allowed to steward again. @ManUtd is this what you allow to your fans . Assault. @henrywinter @samuelluckhurst @lauriewhitwell @TelegraphDucker

@EmondsGreg: Name and shame these heavy handed twats

@SJM1878: Didn’t think stewards were allowed to physically man handle people? 🤔

@b35ty: @CSGCES this standard practise in your organisation? What are you doing to fix this issue?