Manchester United launch investigation into sit-protest row, footage shows steward getting heavy-handed with fan

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Manchester United fan group The 1958 organised a sit-in protest after the Manchester derby on Sunday.

It was a drab scoreless draw between Manchester United and Manchester City as two rivals failed to claim bragging rights at Old Trafford.

Both teams were poor as a dismal stalemate illustrated the slide in standards at City more so than United, especially after a turbulent campaign has the Reds positioned in the bottom half of the Premier League table.

Position	Team	Played MP	Won W	Drawn D	Lost L	For GF	Against GA	Diff GD	Points Pts
11	Crystal PalaceCrystal Palace	30	11	10	9	39	35	4	43
12	BrentfordBrentford	31	12	6	13	51	47	4	42
13	Man UtdManchester United	31	10	8	13	37	41	-4	38
14	TottenhamTottenham	31	11	4	16	58	45	13	37
15	EvertonEverton	31	7	14	10	33	38	-5	35

Ruben Amorim has been tasked with lifting the standards and restoring United’s first-team to glory.

United missed out on the opportunity to complete their first league double over City since 2019/20, following their 2-1 victory at the Etihad earlier this season, but they were the better team throughout the match.

The points were shared, but there is a feeling that Amorim’s side would’ve won had United got more firepower in attack as it proved to be another frustrating evening for struggling striker Rasmus Hojlund.

Manchester United investigate sit-in protest row

Following the 0-0 draw on Sunday, Manchester United fan group The 1958 staged a sit-in protest at Old Trafford. It saw hundreds of United fans remain in their seats after the match in response to new ticketing policies and season ticket price hikes.

A row broke out in the Stretford End during the protest after a fan appeared to be forcibly removed from his seat by a heavy-handed steward.

According to the Daily Mail, Manchester United have launched an investigation into the altercation.

Footage, as seen below, captures a clash between a fan and a group of stewards following the Manchester derby. He was manhandled by a steward before being restrained by a number of the steward’s colleagues.

The stewards quizzed the cameraman, who stated: “I’m recording you, that’s for [another fan], for his safety, not yours. That’s for him.”

A few minutes later, the situation escalates as one fan appears to get pushed by a steward.

The club has yet to comment on the matter.

The 1958 write letter to Omar Berrada

The organisers of the sit-in protest have been quick to react to the footage that emerged on social media following the derby.

In a letter of complaint to chief executive Omar Berrada, The 1958 have called for a complete removal of CSG security services from all home games.

The letter reads: “We are writing to raise a formal and urgent complaint regarding the conduct of CSG Security operating in the East Sound Stand during the recent match at Old Trafford vs Manchester City on the 6^th April, where a fan was participating in a peaceful protest as a concerned supporter.

“The club was made aware of the protest and were officially informed at the SAG by Steve Crompton who represented the 1958 on the 31^st March.

“During this protest a fan was subjected to unacceptable behaviour by CSG Security, indiviudals who are meant to ensure safety and uphold respect within the stadium. He was phsycially assaulted by a steward without provacation, while others in the area were verbally abused with foul and aggressive language, all in full view of other fans, including young and elderly fans.

“The threatening nature of their conduct was not only unprofessional but completely disgraceful and we are outraged.”

Further disgust at CSG (Controlled Solutions Group) is expressed in the letter, with The 1958 urging United to take immediate action and remove the group from security duties at home matches.

It’s not the first time this season that security has been called into question at Old Trafford.

In January, more than 1,500 Rangers fans infiltrated home areas of Old Trafford during a Europa League clash.

The security refused to throw out visiting fans in the wrong section for fear of making the situation worse. This also led to an investigation by United.