Manchester United supporters’ groups have urged fans to boycott alcohol purchases at Sunday’s Premier League match against Aston Villa at Old Trafford as part of an escalating campaign against the club’s ownership.
The proposed action is intended to put financial pressure on the club’s owners by encouraging match-going supporters to avoid buying drinks inside the stadium.
The campaign is being backed by Reclaim the Stretford End, The 1958, The Red Army, Manchester United Youth Supporters’ Club, South Stand United and Retro Reds.
Organisers have also called on supporters to release green and gold balloons when the teams emerge before kick-off. They have, however, asked fans to observe the minute’s silence for Remembrance Sunday.
Glazer Family and Ratcliffe Face Renewed Opposition
The latest campaign follows the return of Manchester United’s green and gold protests against the Glazer family, with minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe and his INEOS group also facing criticism from supporters.
During Tuesday’s Champions League match against Roma at Old Trafford, fans released green and gold balloons from the Stretford End before kick-off. Tennis balls were also thrown onto the pitch in the 20th minute, forcing a temporary interruption as players helped remove them.
The supporter groups say their protests are directed at the club’s ownership, its financial position and decisions affecting the stadium and match-going fans.
Stadium Plans and More Than £1 Billion in Debt Among Grievances
The organisers have listed several reasons for their renewed action, including plans to demolish Old Trafford and construct a new 100,000-capacity stadium next to the existing ground.
They have also raised concerns about Manchester United’s debts, which they say exceed £1 billion, as well as what they describe as declining standards across the club.
The groups further accused the club’s leadership of showing disrespect towards supporters who regularly attend matches.
Arrests Follow Tennis Ball Protest During Roma Match
The call for an alcohol boycott emerged after police confirmed that three people had been arrested over the tennis balls thrown onto the pitch during the Roma fixture.
Greater Manchester Police also made eight additional arrests in connection with incidents surrounding the match.
Those arrests included four people detained on suspicion of assault, two for public order offences, one for fraud and another for possession of a Class B drug.
The tennis ball incident briefly stopped play while players cleared the objects from the pitch.
Roma Fixture Passes Without Major Violence
Despite the arrests, Tuesday’s match ended without the serious disorder associated with previous encounters between Manchester United and Roma.
The clubs have a history of clashes dating back to their Champions League quarter-final meeting in April 2007.
During the first leg in Rome, Italian riot police faced widespread criticism after intervening against Manchester United supporters who had been targeted with missiles by Roma fans.
United won the return leg at Old Trafford 7-1, while police made 18 arrests following clashes outside the stadium.
The latest supporter campaign is expected to continue at Sunday’s match against Aston Villa, with organisers urging fans to participate in the planned demonstrations and alcohol boycott.
