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Manchester United fan group call for full investigation into security after sit-in protest

They are currently compiling video evidence of this and other historical incidents.

Danny Jones Danny Jones - 10th April 2025

A prominent Manchester United fan organisation have called for a full investigation into Old Trafford security after an alleged assault during the sit-in protest this past weekend, detailing what they called “not only unprofessional but completely disgraceful” conduct from stewards.

Large groups of Man United supporters stayed in the stadium beyond the full-time whistle was blown following a lacklustre 0-0 Manchester derby – one both Reds and City fans alike will soon forget – to voice their complaints as part of a planned sit-in protest on Sunday, 6 April.

The peaceful demonstration was a response to the news of season ticket price increases for the 2025/26 campaign and other policy changes in recent months; however, it seems frustrations in the stands reached boiling point in at least one instance, as a man is said to have been forcibly removed.

Now, a few days on from the incident, The 1958 group who were among the core group of sit-in protestors have raised “a formal and urgent complaint” against CSG (Controlled Solutions Group) Security over the “unacceptable behaviour” from at least one steward.

Penning a letter to United CEO Omar Berrada directly, the vocal arm of supporters have called for “the complete removal of CSG security services from all home games” following a fracas shared multiple times on social media.

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Although the fan remains anonymous out of respect for his privacy and for legal reasons, they claim that the individual was “physically assaulted by a steward without provocation”.

They go on to add that “others in the area were verbally abused with foul and aggressive language”, noting that the incident in took place in the East Stand happened in full of view of both young and elderly match-goers.

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Writing in an early post after being made aware of the accusations, The 1958 said: “United fans should not be targeted or bullied for protesting legally and peacefully.”

Having been sent some of the footage directly prior to the letter, official channels and contacts were made aware immediately but are still waiting for response from the the club.

You can see more images from the sit-in protests down below, including an image of 81-year-old and lifelong Red, Michael Carney, who is being forced to give up his season tickets after 74 years to make room for new hospitality seats as part of the ‘New Trafford’ stadium designs.

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As mentioned, the club are still yet to officially address the alleged assault of the fan during the sit-in protest United, but supporters are continuing to pile of the pressure both through further planned demonstrations and online.

The organisation go on to reiterate that the club were informed of the protest “well in advance of the game” and took their own measures to “ensure fans’ safety”.

Describing how the events unfolded as a failure before asking that the letter be shared with Manchester United’s data protection offer(s), the sign off as follows:

We ask for urgent confirmation that this issue is being investigated seriously and expect a full repoinse outlining the steps the club will take to address this matter.”

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Featured Images — Chris Haymes (supplied)/@MufcWonItAll2 (via X)

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Police appeal for information after pedestrian killed on Mancunian Way followed earlier welfare concern reports

Emily Sergeant Emily Sergeant Mancunian Way at night

Police are continuing to appeal for information after a pedestrian was killed on Mancunian Way during the early hours.

Greater Manchester Police (GMP) explained that the shocking incident occurred at approximately 12:50am on Friday 31 October when it was reported that a Volkswagen Passat had collided with a man in his 20s.

Sadly, the collision was fatal and the pedestrian died at the scene.

The driver of the Volkswagen, a man in his 40s, was subsequently arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving.

Following the incident, subsequent police enquiries have established that a call was made to the force shortly after midnight which reported concern for a man walking on the carriageway, and GMP says it believes the man in that report was the man who was involved in the fatal collision.

Officers were sent out as ‘high priority’ to carry out an extensive search of the surrounding area after the report was made, but it was said that they couldn’t locate him.

Due to this earlier report, GMP has confirmed that it has referred itself to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) to look into its response to the search.

The victim’s family is aware, have been updated, and they are being supported by specialist officers at this time.

GMP’s Serious Collision Investigation Unit is still appealing for anyone who may have witnessed the incident to come forward, and are particularly keen to speak to anyone who may have CCTV footage, dashcam, or mobile phone footage from the area in the moments leading up to the incident.

“This is a tragic incident for all involved and we express our deepest condolences to the family of the man who has lost his life, and whom we are doing our utmost to support at this time,” commented Sergeant Andrew Page.

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Anyone with any information is asked to contact police on 0161 856 4741, quoting log number 111 of the 31/10/25, or by using the ‘report tool’ or LiveChat function on the GMP website – www.gmp.police.uk

Alternatively, you can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Featured Image – Geograph

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Stockport paedophile who abused teen girls in early 2000s handed five extra years in prison

Emily Sergeant Emily Sergeant Christopher Oates

A prolific paedophile who ‘groomed, exploited, and coerced’ teenage girls in the early 2000s has had his sentenced extended.

It was reported on back in June that Christopher Oates, from Stockport, was brought to justice after he subjected vulnerable girls to what Greater Manchester Police (GMP) referred to as a ‘campaign’ of violence and sexual abuse 20 years ago.

Oates was charged with possession of a firearm with intent to cause fear of violence, three counts of engaging in penetrative sexual activity with a girl aged 13-15 years old, and two counts causing / inciting a child aged 13-17 years to prostitution.

He was originally sentenced to 13 years in prison for all his crimes.

But now, following a successful appeal by GMP, working with the survivors and the Crown Prosecution Service, to take the ‘unduly lenient’ sentence to the Court of Appeal, Oates has now been handed an extra five years in prison.

His sentencing increase comes after the 45-year-old groomed one of the survivors from when she was just 14 years old, by providing her with a false sense of security, paying her compliments, and pretending to be her boyfriend, all before he proceeded to ply her with drugs, gifts, and affection, and using the trust and control he gained to persuade her to start sex work on the streets of Manchester.

When the teenage victim began to doubt his intentions and asked to go home, Oates dragged her down an alleyway, violently attacked her, and threatened her with a gun, stating: ‘You do as I say, you’re mine now,’ commanding her to go to her ‘spot’.

It was this incident that prompted the teenager to confide in her mother and support services, and from here, found the strength to move forward with her life, while still courageously supporting the police investigation.

From this investigation, detectives were then able to identify a second teenage victim, a 17-year-old, who Oates also coerced into sex work.

Speaking on Oates’ sentencing increase, DI Eleanor Humphreys, who was a senior investigating officer for this case, said: “We join both victims in expressing our relief and delight that the Court of Appeal has reviewed Oates’ lenient sentence and increased it by five years.

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“Oates will now rightly serve consecutive sentences for both victims, meaning that his time behind bars reflects the totality of his offending against both women – whose lives he has so badly impacted.

“We will not relent in ensuring child sex offenders are brought to justice and face the full consequences for their horrific crimes.”

Featured Image – GMP

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