Five stewards have been charged with assault following an alleged attack on a Manchester United fan at Old Trafford. The incident occurred in the East Stand after a goalless draw between Manchester United and Manchester City in April 2025.
The accused men are Mohammed Jamil Akbar, 22, Yaseen Islam, 24, and Mohammed Uzair Iqbal, 24, all from Oldham; Favour Stevenson, 28, from Rochdale; and Usman Hussain, 36, from Manchester. They have each been charged with assault occasioning actual bodily harm and are scheduled to appear at Manchester Magistrates’ Court on January 7.
The fan, who is 49 years old, was allegedly assaulted during a sit-in protest. The protest was organized by supporters to voice opposition to the club's decision to increase season-ticket prices and eliminate concessions for older adults and children. Fans have also recently expressed frustration over a crackdown on ticket touting, which has led to the suspension of some season ticket accounts.
The five men charged were not directly employed by Manchester United but by Controlled Solutions Group, a security company contracted by the club for match days. Manchester United and Controlled Solutions Group have been contacted for comment.
Supporters' groups have recently issued statements criticizing the club's ticketing policies, accusing management of treating fans as suspects and employing a "ban first and ask questions later" approach. The Manchester United Muslims Supporters’ Club noted a perception that the club is becoming increasingly detached from its fanbase.