Manchester United Reviewing Security Following Discovery of Toy Guns

Manchester United Reviewing Security Following Discovery of Toy Guns

“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,” a spokesperson for the team said.

  • By Jessica Davis
  • Nov 05, 2018

Soccer team Manchester United are conducting a “full review” of their security policies and procedures after it was discovered that one of the fans that stormed the soccer pitch during their game against Juventus last month was carrying two toy guns in his backpack.

During the game, three Manchester United fans made it onto the soccer pitch. One of the pitch invaders was discovered to have brought two toy guns into the stadium, though he didn’t bring them onto the field with him. At the time of the incident, Greater Manchester Police said that one man had been arrested on suspicion of pitch invasion.

“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,” a spokesperson for the team said.

“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."

Manchester United introduced enhanced bag searches at the beginning of their 2017-2018 season. Bags that are confiscated for being too large can be collected after the game.

The team has had multiple issues with their security in the last few years, including a May 2016 incident in which Old Trafford stadium had to be evacuated and a match postponed after the discovery of a fake explosive that had been accidentally left in a restroom after a routine training exercise.

The Union of European Football Associations has charged Manchester United for the “field invasion.”

About the Author

Jessica Davis is the Associate Content Editor for 1105 Media.

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