Manchester United supporters don clown masks in demonstration against ownership, ‘circus’
A group of demonstrators donned clown masks as supporters made their way to Old Trafford to voice their discontent with the Glazers and Sir Jim Ratcliffe for managing Manchester United in a way that the 1958 fan group compared to a circus.
The Glazers have encountered fan backlash since acquiring a controlling interest in the Red Devils in a contentious manner in 2005, with the supporters’ group spearheading various protests against the American owners in recent years.
The 1958 organized another demonstration against ownership prior to Sunday afternoon’s Premier League match against Fulham, during which Ratcliffe, who became co-owner in February 2024, was also criticized as the group intensified their efforts.
This week, the group asserted that United is “being dragged through chaos by clown ownership” and that it is being “managed like a circus,” a sentiment underscored by several members wearing clown masks.
Supporters chanted against the owners and displayed banners as smoke from flares filled the atmosphere while protesters marched down Sir Matt Busby Way to the forecourt.
Greater Manchester Police reported that there were between 500 and 600 demonstrators, with no arrests made.
Steve Crompton, a spokesperson for the 1958, informed the Press Association: “This protest is now focused on the partnership with Ineos and the Glazers that, in my view, isn’t effective.
“The last two matches have been excellent, and there has been an improvement in what we are witnessing on the pitch, but our actions have never been solely about on-field performance.”
Ratcliffe has implemented several controversial changes since joining the ownership, with ticket pricing and availability particularly provoking anger among United supporters.
“We want our football club back,” Crompton stated. “Everything that’s occurring.
“We have over 95,000 members who follow us. About 50 percent of them are matchgoing fans, and what is happening to matchgoing fans is becoming absurd.
“Fans are being priced out of attending. I checked this morning for the Villa game, and tickets are being sold throughout the stadium at a minimum of £300 as hospitality.
“There are no tickets available for members to purchase as standard tickets, so how can these fans attend games anymore? It is becoming unaffordable.
“That directly impacts what we desire in the stadium, which is a vibrant atmosphere created by fans.”
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United approached the Fulham match energized by victories over Manchester City and Arsenal in Michael Carrick’s first two matches.
The 1958 announced this protest 24 days ago, shortly after the dismissal of Ruben Amorim, emphasizing that this demonstration concerns more than just on-field events.
“This is never about the manager or the players,” Crompton added. “We will support them through thick and thin. And, to be honest, it has been quite thick for a considerable time now.
“We will always back the team. That is what supporters do.
“However, we should not penalize these supporters who wish to support the team for a quick profit, which is the situation we find ourselves in.”
