A group of thugs who abused police and forced their way into Old Trafford as a protest turned violent were told they are a 'disgrace' to Manchester United. Another group of men were sentenced for their roles in widespread disorder ahead of the Premier League fixture between United and Liverpool in May last year.
The game was postponed on safety advice after up to 2,000 fans congregated outside the stadium, for what were initially peaceful demonstrations against the Glazer family's ownership of the club. But the protest soon turned violent and 40 people have pleaded guilty to violent disorder in relation to the ugly scenes.
Protestors forced their way into Old Trafford and dozens made it onto the pitch. On Friday, five more men were sentenced at Manchester Crown Court after pleading guilty to violent disorder.
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Michael Pollard, a 39-year-old married dad-of-two, of Radnormere Drive, Cheadle, threw a bottle in the direction of police and behaved 'aggressively' towards officers. His barrister said he has since given up drinking.
Joshua Smethurst, 26, of Saxon Close, Bury, a mortgage advisor who lost his job following his conviction, made it onto the pitch and forced his way into one of the changing rooms. His lawyer said he'd sent a letter to United to apologise for his behaviour.
His brother Adam Smethurst, 39, of Bispham Close, Bury, also made it onto the pitch and went down the player's tunnel. Jake O'Hare, 26, of Chataway Road, Crumpsall, kicked and pushed over barriers on the Old Trafford forecourt and made it onto the pitch.
John Powney, 38, of Watermead, Bolton-upon-Dearne, Rotherham, pushed over a barrier, got onto the pitch and threw plastic cones. "Some of you have got relatives in court today, I don't know whether that is the first time they have seen the CCTV material we have looked at today," sentencing Judge Nicholas Dean KC said.
"I hope when you were watching it, you recognised yourselves to have behaved in a shameful manner. I accept that the way in which you behaved was out of character, but I'm afraid that the reality of this situation is in various states of drink, excited by the mob who had gathered to protest, each of you behaved in ways that were a disgrace.
"A disgrace to yourselves and to the club that you purport to support. I hope that the sense of shame you felt has stayed with you.
"The overall actions of hundreds of individuals must have been terrifying for the police and the stewards who were just doing their job, who were the subject of prolonged abuse."
All five men were sentenced to two year community orders, and ordered to carry out unpaid work. Pollard must complete 150 hours, Joshua Smethurst and O'Hare 100 hours, and Adam Smethurst and Powney 80 hours.
All five were also handed three year football banning orders, preventing them from attending games.
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