Manchester United’s semi-final opponents, Athletic Club, have filed a complaint to UEFA against the Red Devils over treatment of their fans.
With Manchester United having the chance to bring a trophy home to Old Trafford for the third consecutive season on Wednesday, their Europa League semi-final opponents have filed a complaint to UEFA against the Red’s.
Ruben Amorim’s side dismantled the Basque club in a 7-1 demolition on aggregate, including a 4-1 victory in the second leg in Manchester.
This victory set up the chance for silverware against Premier League rivals Tottenham Hotspur, who are looking to end their 17 year trophy drought.
According to Spanish publication AS, The official complaint by Athletic Club has been made regarding the treatment of some of their fans who attempted to watch the match in the United home end.
Athletic Club’s complaints against United explained
Athletic’s statement reads: “The responsibility for granting access, in accordance with Manchester United’s entry and stay regulations, lies with the Manchester United head of security, and his decisions cannot be overturned by Athletic Club, the UEFA head of security, or the Ertzaintza officers deployed.”
This report suggested that a fraction of their 4,000 travelling fans were ejected from Old Trafford, with several being insulted, punched, and some even denied entry despite paying over £330.
In an attempt to keep the peace, once finding out about the disruption, Athletic’s staff were sent to various segments of the stadium to try and intervene.
United’s strict message states that, “only Manchester United fans can purchase tickets for local areas”, and Athletic acknowledge their right to expel fans as and when they please, however, they believe their power has been misused.
Will United be victorious in Europa League final?
Despite disastrous league campaigns, both United and Spurs have been handed a potential lifeline, as they both stand one fixture away from salvaging their seasons.
Amorim will be hoping to win Europe’s secondary competition to become one of few United managers to win silverware in their maiden season.
Despite being plagued by injuries recently, United are hoping that some of their valuable defensive reinforcements can make a return for the final.
This includes the recently returned Ayden Heaven, and the doubtful Leny Yoro, Matthijs De Ligt, and Diogo Dalot. Joshua Zirkzee and Lisandro Martinez are confirmed absentees.
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