MANCHESTER UNITED’S singing section is refusing to take part in two upcoming matches due to an ongoing dispute with the club.
The Red Army [TRA] are the group responsible for managing the singing section in the Stretford End at Old Trafford.
But they will sit out of games against Crystal Palace in the Carabao Cup and Galatasaray as they believe the club has classified them as a ‘risk group’.
The group held talks with United and was informed that members of a risk group could attract the attention of authorities.
But United deny categorising TRA in such a manner, stating the risk group classification was a suggestion from local authorities.
A club statement read: “Our Chief Operating Officer met with Greater Manchester Police (GMP) and received confirmation that The Red Army were not classified as a ‘risk group of supporters’. The above clarification was shared with The Red Army on 26 May 2023.
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“We have not had any further updates from Greater Manchester Police to say they have reclassified The Red Army as risk supporters and we do not expect to.
“We are disappointed that The Red Army are not running the section for these cup games as these fixtures represent two very important matches in key competitions and the atmosphere section plays such a vital role in supporting the team in the big moments.
“We are proud of what has been achieved and the support that section provides to Erik (ten Hag) and his team, and we will continue to try to work with The Red Army as it is not in the interests of the team, the fans and The Red Army members that the section is not operational.”
The TRA was formed in 2017 to improve Old Trafford’s stale atmosphere.
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It has encouraged younger fans to attend matches and for some it has allowed them to connect with other supporters.
United welcome Palace to Old Trafford in back-to-back games at the end of the month, and the TRA will be in place for the Premier League visit – but not the cup.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
