Four arrested after Old Trafford violence after Betis fans ‘threw coins and sausages at disabled Man Utd fans’
FOUR Real Betis fans were arrested after “throwing coins and sausages” at Man United’s disabled section at Old Trafford.
Trouble emerged between the supporters during the Europa League tie last night as missiles were thrown from the away end.
Betis were followed by 3,900 fans to Manchester for the first leg of the round of 16.
And it kicked off after Bruno Fernandes netted United’s third goal when a group of 50 of them started to cause trouble in the ground.
A police officer was struck by a firework, while United supporter Louise Rigby says that her eight-year-old autistic son was hit by a coin, but was luckily not hurt.
She told MEN: “They were throwing sausages, hot dogs. Before the match even started they were throwing lighters and euros and packets of tissues and plastic drinks cups. We were getting stuff thrown all over us.
“Once our third goal went in, that’s when it turned nasty. They were jumping over the barriers and throwing things. One coin hit my son on the back of the head.
“He’s got special educational needs and we were sitting in the disabled area. We go to every match. There were a lot of people in wheelchairs and they were all getting things thrown at them.
“It was absolutely appalling. I’m all for rivalry but last night was so uncalled for. They were setting off flares and all sorts. They were throwing pints and other items. Even before everybody got a sense something was going to erupt.”
Footage has been shared on social media of the scenes breaking out as riot police moved to the away end.
In other areas fans were spotted ripping seats off in order to throw it at the United fans.
In another case, one fan was filmed repeatedly spitting at the home end as stricken stewards were piled on.
While a Betis fan masked in a balaclava could be seen attempting to swing his belt across the narrow gap in an attempt to hit home supporters.
According to MEN, United officials will hold talks with the Manchester United Disabled Supporters’ Association as their seating is below the away section.
The report has also suggested that club insiders believe more trouble comes from European games than domestic ones.
Greater Manchester Police [GMP] have confirmed that they are working with Spanish authorities and the two clubs following the incidents.
GMP did confirm that the away fans lit flares and pyrotechnics inside Old Trafford and have also insisted that the majority of away fans were “respectful and well behaved”.
Four Real Betis supporters were arrested for violent disorder, assault, possession of flare inside the stadium and possession of a controlled drug.
Chief Inspector Jamie Collins, GMP’s match commander on the night, said: “The violent disorder experienced does not reflect the majority of supporters attending this fixture who went just to watch the football on the pitch.
“Last night’s behaviour by the minority was totally unacceptable and quite shocking for the decent supporters who may have got caught up in this.
“We are also continuing to offer the welfare needed to support one of our colleagues who was injured as a result when trying to keep the public safe.
“GMP are working closely with Manchester United, the UK Football Policing Unit, Real Betis, UEFA and Spanish Police colleagues to identify those involved in a post-match investigation which is ongoing.
“If any supporters from Manchester United or Real Betis and those attending the game have any information or footage that can assist with enquiries, they are asked to contact Greater Manchester Police on 101 as soon as possible so we can bring those responsible to justice and also to seek, where possible, football banning orders.”