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Man 'punched' by police during Man United protest has broken jaw, partner claims
"It's absolutely disgusting - they didn't need to punch him the way they've done"
www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk
Man 'punched' by police during Man United protest has broken jaw, partner claims
"It's absolutely disgusting - they didn't need to punch him the way they've done"
www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk
Man 'punched' by police during Man United protest has broken jaw and cracked ribs, partner claims
"It's absolutely disgusting - they didn't need to punch him the way they've done"By
Steve Robson
- 19:45, 3 MAY 2021
- Updated21:01, 3 MAY 2021
The incident happened on Chapel Street near the Lowry hotel where hundreds of fans joined a demonstration on Sunday.
Supporters were calling for a greater say in the running of the club in the wake of the decision, since reversed, to join the European Super League.
Thousands joined a similar protest at Old Trafford ahead of the match against Liverpool which was eventually postponed when some fans got into the stadium and onto the pitch.
The situation turned ugly at both locations with police officers attacked with metal barriers and glass bottles by some of those involved.
Greater Manchester Police issued a statement tonight slamming the 'absolutely atrocious' behaviour at the protests and said six officers were left injured including one with a fractured eye socket and another with a wound to his face.
Now it has emerged that a Man United fan also ended up requiring medical help, according to his family.
A video shared with the M.E.N shows the man being dragged away from a lorry by police officers and behind a police van during the gathering near the Lowry.
Officers can be heard to shout 'stop resisting' as they attempt to restrain the young man, and at one point an officer appears to throw several punches towards his midriff.
The man being arrested near the Lowry hotel during a protest over Man United's owners (Image: Adam Vaughan)
Greater Manchester Police later said the footage shows a 28-year-old man being arrested in suspicion of theft from a motor vehicle and a public order offence.
The Manchester Evening News has spoken to the man's partner who said: "I've been ringing [the non-emergency police number] 101 since 6pm yesterday and they couldn't tell me anything except he was in a police station in Pendleton.
"Then today they said he was in hospital but they couldn't tell me why or which hospital.
"I got a call from him at 12.50pm and he said he was going in to be interviewed [by police].
"They've broken his jaw and fractured his ribs.
"It's absolutely disgusting - they didn't need to punch him the way they've done."
It is understood the man, who the M.E.N is choosing not to name for legal reasons, recently suffered a family bereavement and his family are concerned for his mental health.
Greater Manchester Police were contacted for comment on the suspect's alleged injuries.
In a statement, GMP said: "We are aware of a video circulating online of officers making an arrest during a protest on Sunday 2 May near The Lowry Hotel.
"The video depicts officers arresting a 28-year-old male on suspicion of a theft from a motor vehicle and a public order offence. He currently remains in custody for questioning.
"GMP's Professional Standards Branch has been made aware of the video and will be voluntarily referring this incident to the Independent Office for Police Conduct to ensure complete transparency and independence in this investigation.
"All evidence in regards to this matter will be examined to understand the full circumstances surrounding the arrest."
Regarding the attacks on police officers, GMP have appealed for anyone with information to come forward.
GMP Assistant Chief Constable Nick Bailey, said: "The behaviour shown at this protest was absolutely atrocious.
"Officers were just trying to do their job and facilitate a peaceful protest, however a number of those present became hostile and aggressive towards officers and forced entry to the football grounds, making it very clear that this protest was not peaceful and ruining it for the majority of protesters who had not intended for the protest to become violent.
"Our officers tried to engage with protestors, but were met with violence and aggression which resulted in enforcement action being taken. Enforcement will always be a last resort, but in these circumstances it was deemed necessary in order to maintain safety during a situation that was rising in hostility."
