Manchester United’s dramatic 2-1 Europa League win over Rangers has been overshadowed by raging supporters questioning why hundreds of Rangers fans found their way into the home sections.
And it’s not the first time that’s happened on a European night at Old Trafford, with over 2,000 Galatasaray supporters infiltrating the United stands during a UEFA Champions League tie in October 2013.
Samuel Luckhurst, chief sports editor at the Manchester Evening News, shared that it "kicked off at every angle immediately after Rangers scored" and there's several videos circulating on social media showcasing brawls between punters.
Cyriel Dessers had equalised for Rangers with two minutes of regulation time remaining, before United captain Bruno Fernandes tapped in the winner to provide a late sucker punch.
Some concerned United fans have stated that it felt like an away game. While, others have spotted a loophole that tickets were still available for anyone without a membership to purchase within hospitality areas as recently as last week.
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However, the English Premier League giants claim they took the strictest possible measures to prevent sales to Rangers fans in home sections and that tickets were only allocated to people who existed on their database before the Europa League draw in August.
The club will investigate how Rangers fans were in home areas and take the 'strongest possible sanctions taken against the registered holders.’
Greater Manchester Police say 39 arrests were made related to the match.
It’s fair to say that even the most loyal Manchester United supporters have long been losing faith in the running of the club, especially since Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s INEOS Sport assumed control over football operations last year.
Ticket prices have been hiked up significantly, performances haven't met expectations, plus many staff have lost their jobs including the legendary Sir Alex Ferguson controversially getting stripped of his ambassador role.
So, this latest incident just heightens ongoing tensions at the red side of Manchester.
