Five men could face jail after admitting violent disorder at Man Utd v Liverpool anti-Glazer protest

10122021 - More than 1,000 people attended the protests with clashes between police and protesters - PA Images
More than 1,000 people attended the protests with clashes between police and protesters Credit: MEN Media

Five men face potential jail sentences for their part in a large scale disturbance which led to a game between Manchester United v Liverpool being postponed.Protests against the ownership of the club were held at Old Trafford and outside the Lowry Hotel in Salford prior to a Premier League fixture on May 2.They also followed United's role in a failed attempt to form a breakaway European Super League in April.More than 1,000 people attended, with clashes between police and protesters. Some broke into the stadium and made their way onto the pitch.One police officer received facial injuries after being hit with a bottle during the protests.

Police officers move in to disperse football fans during a protest against the Glazer's ownership of Manchester United. Credit: PA Images

Now five men have pleaded guilty to violent disorder during a hearing at Manchester Crown Court.Jake Collins, 24, Brian Doherty, 55, Henry Garside, 23, Peter McNally, 28, and Sam McNulty, 26, all admitted the offence.McNulty was also charged in relation to an injury suffered by a police officer.He denied wounding with intent, but pleaded guilty to unlawful wounding. He is set to go on trial next year.Garside also pleaded guilty to burglary, by entering Old Trafford stadium and stealing a corner flag and post worth £43.

Judge Darren Preston told the quintet: "You have pleaded guilty to a serious offence, each of you."But I am not going to sentence you today."In each of your case the court will be helped by some background information by way of a pre-sentence report."Immediate custody will be at the forefront of the court's mind for this serious offence."

The judge told McNulty, of Windermere Road in Prenton, Wirral, Merseyside, that his trial was scheduled for June.No further details of the case were disclosed during the plea hearing.Collins, of Barton Lane in Eccles, Salford; Doherty, of Douglas Walk in Whitefield; Greater Manchester; Garside, of Elaine Street in Warrington, Cheshire; and McNally, of Radnor Drive in Wallasey, Wirral, Merseyside; and McNulty will all be sentenced at a later date.

More than 1,000 people attended the protest prior to the fixture last May Credit: Barrington Coombs/PA Archive/PA Images

The protest was held ahead of a match last season which was due to kick off at 4.30pm and be shown on television.Protesters voiced their anger over the Glazer family's ownership of the club.Flares were let off and bottles were thrown, police said.The game was postponed on safety grounds following discussions between both clubs, Greater Manchester Police, the Premier League, and Trafford Council.