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Reds' fans riot at friendly

Chris Osuh
22/ 7/2008

A PITCH invasion forced the referee to call off a `friendly' match between Altrincham and Manchester United reserves.

Drunken Reds' fans ran on to the pitch at Moss Lane six minutes before time on Saturday, just after their side went 3-0 up.

Up to 40 hooligans vaulted the perimeter fence and Altrincham player Greg Young was shoved to the ground.

Altrincham's manager Graham Heathcote ordered his players away and although extra police were called in, no arrests were made.

In a statement on Altrincham's website yesterday, Brian Flynn, of the Altrincham FC Supporters Trust, said: "Trouble had been brewing all afternoon. There was an increasing air of tension during the second half as United supporters congregated at the Golf Road End and created an intimidating atmosphere.

"A couple of smoke bombs were thrown on to the pitch and six minutes after the impressive Rodrigo Possebon had scored Manchester United's third goal, the fans invaded the pitch."

At half-time, rowdy fans had also damaged the Moss Lane bar, climbing on tables and throwing bottles and glasses.

The day's events prompted the club to consider calling off Tuesday's game with FC United, but it is expected to go ahead as long as police agree.

An Altrincham spokesman said: "We have hosted friendly matches against United on numerous occasions over many decades and there has not been a single unsavoury incident.

"The behaviour of these individuals was an embarrassment to both clubs. We have done everything that we can to support the police in providing film and photographic evidence of the unsavoury scenes."

Those who caused the trouble have been condemned by ManUnited Youth, the reserve and academy internet fanzine.