Concerned Manchester United chiefs have reportedly set plans in motion to shut Rangers fans out of the home end at Old Trafford during their Europa League clash.
It is claimed by the Daily Mail that the Red Devils officials are concerned that supporters of the Scottish Premiership side could attempt to enter the home sections of the stadium during the ‘Battle of Britain’ clash on January 23. It is claimed that Old Trafford chiefs believe that the game – which doesn’t occur until matchday seven of the revamped Europa League phase – will have “highly-sought after” tickets with the Premier League club only selling home tickets to United fans who were signed up as members prior to the draw taking place.
United are understood to be determined to avoid a repeat of mistakes that saw around 2000 additional Galatasaray fans enter the home sections at the stadium last season. Turkish supporters were seen cheering on the visitors from within the home sections of the stadium with the English giants issuing an apology to fans who felt “unsafe.”
Conversations with police will also take place before the Rangers showdown. However, it is claimed the decisions was made as United deemed the game “high-risk” with the focus on keeping travelling punters in the away section.
Follow Record Sport on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram for all of the up-to-the minute breaking news, video and audio on the SPFL, the Scotland national team and beyond.
You can also follow our dedicated Rangers and Celtic podcast pages and sign up to our newsletters to make sure you never miss a beat throughout the season. We’ve also entered the world of WhatsApp with our Rangers community and Celtic community up and running. Follow NOW to get your club’s latest breaking news and transfer gossip directly to your phone.
Tune in to Hotline Live every Sunday to Thursday and have your say on the biggest issues in Scottish football.