This archive report was first published on 3 May 2021.
On May 2, 2021, Manchester United's home game against Liverpool was postponed due to fan protests at Old Trafford. The decision was made after over 200 fans stormed the stadium, with some supporters demonstrating outside and violence erupting in parts.
According to a statement from Manchester United, the match was postponed due to safety and security concerns. The statement read: "Following discussion between the Police, the Premier League, Trafford Council and the clubs, our match against Liverpool has been postponed due to safety and security considerations around the protest today."
The Premier League has launched an investigation into the incident and is querying how over 200 supporters got into the stadium. United's security measures have been brought under the microscope, with fans breaking Covid regulations with ease, while policing levels outside the ground only ramped up after an hour.
The Premier League's rules state that a match can be postponed or abandoned due to safety concerns, but it is unclear whether Manchester United will face sanctions for the match being forced to stop. The club's security measures have been questioned, and it remains to be seen whether any points will be deducted.
