Man United, Liverpool clash postponed after fans invaded pitch

Manchester United’s clash against Liverpool was postponed after furious fans stormed Old Trafford in protest at the club’s owners on Sunday, while Arsenal kept Newcastle waiting to confirm their Premier League safety with a 2-0 win at St James Park.

Manchester City would have been crowned English champions for the third time in four seasons if second placed United had lost to Liverpool.

But Pep Guardiola’s side saw their hopes of a title party put on hold after ugly scenes several hours before kick-off at Old Trafford.

The Glazer family, already disliked by many United supporters, were widely criticised for their leading role in the failed breakaway European Super League.

That prompted United fans to call for a demonstration before the Liverpool game and an angry mob of 200 protesters pushed down security barriers outside Old Trafford before running onto the pitch.

Fans waved anti-Glazer banners and set off green and yellow flares — the colours of United’s Newton Heath founders.

One protester was filmed picking up a camera tripod from a pitchside media position and hurling it onto the pitch.

Others tried to get down the tunnel, while another took a corner flag and some swung from the crossbar of one of the goals.

A flare was fired towards a television commentary gantry and small sections of the turf were damaged.

There were also clashes as fans tried to break police lines outside, with officers drawing batons to keep the crowds back and bottles and other projectiles thrown.

A line of riot police, backed by horses, eventually pushed the crowds away from the stadium.

Both United and Liverpool’s players were in their team hotels when the breach occurred.

Some fans also blockaded the entrance to the Lowry Hotel where the United players and staff were staying.

The scheduled 1530 GMT kick-off was delayed while Premier League chiefs discussed the situation, with United eventually announcing the postponement at 1640 GMT. Punch