SKY SPORTS pundits at Old Trafford were forced to take cover as angry fans launched a flare and cans towards their studio.
And irate pundit Graeme Souness said he and his colleagues could have been killed or ‘permanently scarred’ had they been hit.
Hundreds of fans stormed onto the Old Trafford pitch as they breached security during protests against the club’s owners, the Glazer family.
Thousands more gathered outside as police confirmed two officers were injured in clashes, with one needing emergency treatment in hospital after being ‘attacked with a bottle’.
A group of fans congregated around Sky’s studio, where pundits Jamie Carragher, Graeme Souness, Micah Richards and Roy Keane joined host Dave Jones for coverage of the game, which was ultimately postponed around an hour after its proposed 4.30pm kick-off time.
The broadcasters were seen ducking for cover, as one of the Old Trafford invaders launched a flare towards them.
Souness, 67, said: “Somebody threw a can of beer up here. If that hits you in the wrong place you’re dead.
“A flare got thrown up here. If it hits one of us we are laying in a hospital bed permanently scarred with half a face.”
A flare got thrown up here. If it hits one of us we are laying in a hospital bed permanently scarred with half a face
Graeme Souness
Carragher, 43, was also forced to withstand a torrent of abuse, as fans chanted ‘You Scouse B******’ in his direction.
Thousands of fans joined a well-publicised protest, prior to this afternoon’s clash with Liverpool.
But things turned ugly, despite manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer having pleaded for calm – while defending his much-maligned bosses.
The Norwegian had said: “It’s important that the fans’ views are listened to and we communicate better.
“My job is to focus on the football side and that we have the best possible team.
“As I’ve said before I’ve been backed, I’ve had great support from the club and the owners and I’m sure I will get the backing again to go one step further.
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“But I’m so happy all the clubs have agreed that this shouldn’t be the way of moving forward.
“Then again, when the protests are on, it’s important they go in a good fashion and that we keep it peaceful.”
But things did not transpire that way, with fans storming into the ground.
And according to Sky Sports, cameras were stolen, as well as balls and the corner flags.
A large number of United fans have been opposed to the Glazers’ ownership ever since the late family patriarch took over the club in 2005.
But tension has reached breaking point in the last fortnight, since their attempt to break away as part of a European Super League.
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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
