LIVERPOOL avoided Manchester United protesters by sneaking into Old Trafford in plain coaches… after their branded team bus was targeted.
Thousands of Red Devils supporters once again flocked to the Theatre of Dreams before kick-off to protest against the Glazer family owners.
Fears rose that the fixture could be disrupted for a second time when pictures showed a Liverpool coach being blocked on a side street near the Hyatt Regency hotel where the team were staying.
Cars stopped the vehicle from moving and there were reports its tyres were let down. Police later confirmed two people had been arrested.
United fans also set off smoke bombs and flares outside Old Trafford and were waiting by the John Gilbert Way entrance.
But it turns out no players were on board the Liverpool branded red bus.
It is understood the bus had been on its way to collect Reds players.
However, when it met trouble, reserve coaches were instead used to take Jurgen Klopp’s side to the Theatre of Dreams – and throw protesters off the scent.
Liverpool ultimately arrived at the ground through a back entrance just before 7pm – only an hour and 15 minutes before kick-off.
And the confusion clearly did not affect them as Roberto Firmino’s double fired them to a 4-2 win, and right into contention for a top four spot.
FRESH PROTESTS
United supporters descended on Old Trafford to protest the Glazer family. in large numbers ahead of the originally scheduled Liverpool game on Sunday May 2.
A large group broke onto the pitch as police struggled to contain those outside the stadium in what was a largely peaceful protest.
And it soon became clear the game would not be able to go ahead as planned – meaning it was was moved to tonight.
Another protest – triggered by the Glazers involvement in the rebel European Super League – saw around 20 supporters walk into Carrington and speak to boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
In order to avoid a repeat scenario, the Norwegian and his squad arrived at their ground for tonight’s game today SIX hours early from the Lowry Hotel.
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The stars turned up in their own cars after a decoy bus had arrived to throw potential trouble-makers off the scent.
Elsewhere, Gary Neville has claimed that beefed-up security at Old Trafford has caused ‘devastating’ damage to United’s worldwide image.
And Roy Keane has warned the Glazer family fan protests over their ownership will ‘get a lot worse’ when stadiums re-open.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
