Five security stewards have been charged with assault after a Manchester United supporter was allegedly attacked inside Old Trafford following the Manchester derby in April 2025.
The case stems from an incident involving a 49-year-old fan in the stadium’s East Stand after the goalless Premier League clash against Manchester City.
The men are accused of assault occasioning actual bodily harm and are scheduled to appear before Manchester Magistrates’ Court on January 7 next year.
Five Defendants Identified Ahead of Court Appearance
The individuals charged are Mohammed Jamil Akbar, 22, Yaseen Islam, 24, and Mohammed Uzair Iqbal, 24, all from Oldham.
They are joined by Favour Stevenson, 28, from Rochdale, and Usman Hussain, 36, from Manchester.
Authorities allege the group assaulted the supporter during events that unfolded after the final whistle, when a number of fans remained inside the stadium as part of an organised demonstration.
Stewards Worked for External Security Contractor
Although the alleged incident took place at Manchester United’s home ground, none of the five men were directly employed by the club.
Instead, they worked for Controlled Solutions Group (CSG), the private security company contracted to provide matchday stewarding services at Old Trafford.
Both Manchester United and Controlled Solutions Group declined to comment on the charges.
Sit-In Protest Sparked by Ticketing Dispute
The alleged assault occurred during a peaceful sit-in organised by supporters unhappy with the club’s ticketing decisions.
Protesters gathered after the match to oppose Manchester United’s plans to increase season-ticket prices while also removing concessionary rates previously available to pensioners and children.
The demonstration formed part of wider fan opposition to changes many supporters argued would make attending matches less affordable for long-time followers of the club.
Fresh Backlash Over Club’s Ticketing Policies
Manchester United has continued to face criticism over its handling of supporter-related issues.
In recent days, the club has drawn fresh complaints after launching a crackdown on suspected ticket touting.
Thousands of supporters reportedly received emails informing them that their accounts had been suspended because of suspicious activity.
The notices warned that season tickets could be withdrawn unless satisfactory explanations were provided, prompting concern among many fans.
Supporters’ Groups Accuse Club of Alienating Fans
The latest ticketing measures have united several supporters’ organisations, which last week issued a joint statement condemning the club’s approach.
They argued that innocent fans were being unfairly targeted and described the policy as one that effectively imposed sanctions before establishing whether any wrongdoing had occurred.
Adding to the criticism, the Manchester United Muslims Supporters’ Club said on Wednesday that many supporters now feel the club is becoming increasingly disconnected from the community that helped build its identity and longstanding fan culture.
Legal Proceedings to Continue
With criminal charges now filed, attention will turn to the forthcoming court hearing, where the allegations against the five stewards will be examined.
The case unfolds against the backdrop of continuing tensions between Manchester United and sections of its fanbase over ticketing policies, supporter relations, and the matchday experience at Old Trafford.
