Manchester United fans has tendered a complaint on the treatment given to them in their first-leg game against Club Brugge in Europa. The game which ended 1-1 had Manchester United fans treated in a very harsh way and they are really not happy about it.
Manchester United fans described the trip to the Belgium side as “the worst experience of a European away game they’d had for many years”. The spokesperson for the fans said: “fans were in genuine fear for their safety.”
He further said “we returned home with an impression of Bruges that should shame all those responsible for our safety and security.” “We have numerous reports that the police instructed taxi drivers to stay away from the ground and not to pick up Manchester United fans. It was a long walk in horrendous weather conditions from the town to the stadium.”
Manchester United fans through the Supporters Trust sent a letter to mayor Dirk De fauw. They also questioned the local police’s use of water cannons and barbed wire barriers, as well as an apparent refusal to allow fans to leave the stadium.
The letter reads thus: “we would be embarrassed if visitors to Manchester were treated as described above, are you not ashamed of the way visitors to your city were treated?” “Poor treatment is one issue but the safety concerns go far beyond that and we will be sending a report to UEFA outlining the issues our supporters have sent to us.”
The letter From the Manchester United Fans also alleged that:
- fans had been “deliberately sent in the wrong direction on long detours”
- there was “almost universal hostility from police when they were approached for assistance/directions”
- exit gates in the stadium were “locked leading to the buildup of crowds and the risk of a crush developing”
Europa board has instructed Manchester United fans who were affected to submit personal accounts of their experiences through the Trust’s website. From there legal actions will be taken meanwhile for the United prepares for the return leg which comes up on Thursday and will be played in the legendary Old Trafford.