Leeds vs Manchester United: fans who threw objects onto pitch ‘identified and reported to police’

In total, nine people were arrested in Leeds on Sunday - and Leeds say they will issue lifetime bans to any fans found guilty of an offence.
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now

West Yorkshire Police have confirmed nine people were arrested on Sunday as a result of Manchester United’s Premier League game at Elland Road.

The Red Devils’ 4-2 win was marred by several unsavoury incidents in the crowd, including supporters throwing objects at United players following two of their goals.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

In an update on Tuesday, Leeds United said they had now identified a “small number of supporters” who threw missiles onto the pitch.

The club said it had passed CCTV footage to West Yorkshire Police and warned it will issue lifetime bans to any supporters found guilty of an offence.

The FA are believed to be looking into the incidents at Elland Road on Sunday, and are awaiting the submission of Paul Tierney’s match report.

Anthony Elanga went down after being hit by an object throw from the Leeds fans. Credit: Getty.Anthony Elanga went down after being hit by an object throw from the Leeds fans. Credit: Getty.
Anthony Elanga went down after being hit by an object throw from the Leeds fans. Credit: Getty.

However, in a statement released by the police on Monday morning, they said there was ‘no significant disorder’ in Leeds on Sunday and that police had tackled ‘minor’ issues which arose.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“Police made a total of nine arrests following Sunday’s football match between Leeds United and Manchester United at Elland Road Football Stadium,” the statement said.

“Police resources were deployed throughout Leeds city centre and outside the grounds before, during and following the match to ensure the safety of fans travelling to and from the game with minimal inconvenience to the general public.

“There was no significant disorder but there were a few incidents in Leeds city centre ahead of the game and some minor incidents throughout the game. Officers were deployed in sufficient numbers to rapidly intervene to identify and arrest the people responsible and prevent any escalation in disorder.

“Approximately 70 away fans turned up without tickets. They were promptly issued with a Section 35 dispersal notice and escorted away from the ground.

United won the game 4-2 thanks to goals from Harry Maguire, Bruno Fernandes, Fred and Anthony Elanga. Credit: Getty.United won the game 4-2 thanks to goals from Harry Maguire, Bruno Fernandes, Fred and Anthony Elanga. Credit: Getty.
United won the game 4-2 thanks to goals from Harry Maguire, Bruno Fernandes, Fred and Anthony Elanga. Credit: Getty.
Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“There were no reported injuries to any players or fans on either side.”

Deputy Chief Constable Russ Foster, of West Yorkshire Police, added: “Our role in working with Leeds United Football Club and other partners is to ensure the safety of people attending football matches at Elland Road is something we take extremely seriously.

“High profile football matches, such as yesterday’s fixture can clearly attract some of the greatest concentrations of people and there were a few incidents both before and during the game.

“We had a large group of 70 people who turned up in Leeds without tickets and they were swiftly identified and issued section 35 dispersal notices before the game and were not allowed to enter the grounds. We also made a handful of arrests for a number of offences including public order, throwing of missiles and breach of banning order.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“The majority of fans on both sides behaved appropriately throughout the match and there was no significant disorder, but we hope the early intervention and positive action that we took on the day will help send a very clear message that such incidents of disorder will not be tolerated.

“Anyone with any information about any incidents or footage from the day, is asked to contact the police via 101 or online101 Live Chat | West Yorkshire Police’.”