Account
Manchester United Review Security After Man Brought Toy Guns into Old Trafford
November 2, 2018
Manchester United are conducting a "full review" of their security protocols after one of the pitch invaders during their 1-0 defeat to Juventus last month was found to have two toy guns in his backpack.
Per Mike Keegan of the Daily Mail, three supporters made it onto the pitch during the UEFA Champions League fixture, with one discovered to have brought two toy guns into Old Trafford, though he did not bring them onto the pitch with him.
A spokesperson for United was quoted as saying:
"Carrying a children's miniature plastic toy gun into a stadium is clearly an irresponsible act. Fortunately, the actions of the pitch intruder at the Juventus game did not harm anyone.
"However, as the security and safety of all fans and staff is the absolute priority at Manchester United, the club immediately launched an investigation.
"This includes a full review of our already rigorous security protocols, using our own security teams together with external expert consultants."
The Red Devils have been charged by UEFA over the pitch invasion, per the Press Association's Simon Peach:
Per Keegan, United introduced "enhanced searches" at the start of the 2017-18 season in which all bags brought into the ground are "rigorously examined," with some confiscated to be collected after the match if they're too big.
United have had several issues with their security in recent years.
In May 2016, Old Trafford had to be evacuated and a match with Bournemouth was postponed after the discovery of a fake explosive that had been mistakenly left in a toilet after a training exercise.
Six months later, two fans managed to sneak away from a tour and sleep overnight in the stadium in an attempt to watch a clash with Arsenal.
Last year, four men were able to break into the stadium in the hours preceding Michael Carrick's testimonial in June by climbing the outside of the stand and accessing the roof.