Source: REUTERS/Lee Smith
[Saba Sports News] According to British media reports, Manchester United is facing increasing pressure from government agencies to ban fans from standing continuously at Old Trafford. If they fail to comply, the stadium’s capacity may be reduced. After the match against Brighton, images appeared on social media showing staff taking pictures of standing fans and instructing them to sit down. It is understood that Manchester United is taking stricter measures due to pressure from the UK government’s venue advisor, the Sports Grounds Safety Authority (SGSA). The SGSA has the power to close certain sections of Old Trafford, and while there are no signs that Old Trafford is at a critical point, reports suggest that Manchester United feels helpless and has no choice but to take more proactive measures. The SGSA has expressed concerns about the number of fans in certain areas of Old Trafford, including the Stretford End. However, Manchester United has never recorded an incident of injury due to fans standing. They are reportedly surprised by the pressure applied by the SGSA mid-season, as they have been working hard to comply with the authorities’ requests.