Anger as Manchester to be denied celebration if United win Champions League

Published on Saturday 17 May 2008 02:00

MANCHESTER United fans reacted angrily to news that they will miss out on a Champions League Cup home-coming celebration in the wake of rioting by Rangers supporters.

Manchester City Council, widely criticised for its handling of the Uefa Cup final in the city, along with Trafford Council, Manchester United and Greater Manchester Police took the decision that there will be no parade should the team win.

A statement said: "Details are being discussed to organise an event which may take place during the summer." The council confirmed that the riots involving Rangers fans had been a factor in the decision. Manchester United play Chelsea in the final in Moscow next Wednesday.

Albert Scanlon, a former Manchester United player, said thousands of United fans would be "gutted" and blamed the police and council's "shambolic" organisation of the Uefa Cup final.

Mr Scanlon, who will be going to the Champions League final, said: "It wasn't the people of Manchester's fault what happened on Wednesday."

Simon Murphy, 37, a season ticket-holder from Bury, said, "Why punish us for something we haven't done? Just because Rangers fans can't behave doesn't mean United fans would do the same."