Five stewards have been removed from work at Manchester United while a police investigation takes place into an alleged assault of a fan.
A man appeared to be shoved out of a row of seats and bundled to the ground by the security team during a sit-in protest at Old Trafford.
The use of force followed tense exchanges between supporters and up to a dozen stewards in the East Stand after the dull city derby on April 6.
Phone footage shows the fan, who was taking part in the protest against ticket price rises and the Glazer family’s ownership, appearing to be grabbed and pushed by a steward after refusing to follow his friends out of the seating area.
He is then shown being put in a headlock as the other personnel pile in, with the motion of one’s arm appearing to deliver a couple of punches.
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A voice can be heard saying, ‘that’s f******* bang out of order.’
Fans’ group The 1958, who organized the protest, complained about the incident in a letter to the club’s chief executive officer, Omar Berrada.
The group said that the man had been ‘participating in a peaceful protest as a concerned supporter’ and ‘we are outraged’ at his treatment by stewards working for a matchday security provider.
The club had been aware of the protest in advance of the 0-0 draw with Manchester City, according to The 1958.
At a fans’ forum on June 30, the club said: ‘We can confirm that the five individuals involved in the incident referenced on 6 April have been removed from work with the club while investigations continue.
‘Because it is now a police matter, the club cannot make any further comment at this time.
‘We are confident in the stewarding arrangements we have in place to ensure the safety and security of fans, which remains our utmost priority.’
Manchester United said it had no further comment to make.
A spokesperson for Greater Manchester Police confirmed a live assault investigation is taking place.
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