Two Man United fans admit violent disorder after anti-Glazer protests at Old Trafford forced Liverpool match to be called off

Two football fans have admitted violent disorder for their part in a large-scale disturbance which led to a Manchester United game being postponed.

Protests against the ownership of the club were held at Old Trafford before fixture against Liverpool last year.

More than 1,000 supporters joined the rally, with clashes between police and protesters. Some broke into the ground and invaded the pitch.

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Today two men pleaded guilty to violent disorder during a hearing at Manchester Crown Court.

Niall Stott, 22, and Aston Maxfield, 21, both admitted the offence.

Appearing alongside them, Ryan Fox-Kettle, 23, previously pleaded guilty to violent disorder.

Their cases were adjourned to allow for the preparation of presentence reports.

No further details of the case were disclosed during the plea hearing.

Addressing them in the dock, Judge Anthony Cross QC said: “You have all acted very sensibly, bearing in mind two of you have previous good character and have never appeared before the crown court before.

“You will be sentenced in April. Make sure you cooperate with the probation service, make sure you keep your jobs and ensure you don’t commit any further offences.”

Stott, of Borrowdale Close, Oldham; Maxfield, of Pelsall Road, Walsall; and Fox-Kettle, of Queen Street, Staffordshire, will be sentenced on April 28.

The protest was held ahead of a match between United and Liverpool on Sunday, May 2, which had been due to kick off at 4.30pm.

Protesters voiced their anger over the Glazer family's ownership of the club.

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