Man U fans planning a coup
2004-02-11 14:09
London - Manchester United fans are planning a major protest against the club's biggest shareholders at the Cheltenham racing Festival in March.
The United 4 Action group are hoping up to 250 fans will take part in the demonstration against Irish racing tycoons John Magnier and JP McManus who are trying to oust Alex Ferguson as manager.
The protest is planned for Gold Cup day on March 18.
Ferguson is suing Magnier over the stud rights to racehorse Rock of Gibraltar.
Cheltenham's managing director Edward Gillespie confirmed he has received a request to stage a demonstration.
United 4 Action founder Sean Murphy said he was waiting for a response from the course, but the protest would go ahead regardless.
"We don't want to cause any disruption but we want to get the message across to John Magnier and JP McManus that we want them to sell their shares in Manchester United and give the club back to the fans, because we don't want them," he said.
"We've been in touch with the authorities at Cheltenham asking for permission to be able to hold a peaceful, vocal protest - at a place they designate.
"If the racecourse doesn't give us permission we will revert to Plan B, which is to protest at a time and place at the track that has already been arranged.
"I'm not going to say where or when that will be - but it will cause huge embarrassment."
United fans disrupted racing at Hereford earlier this month.
About 30 fans burst onto the track, carrying banners declaring "Quit the horseplay Coolmore" and "United not for sale".
The club responded by urging its fans not to carry out any more demonstrations.