Manchester United fans complain over treatment by police in Europa Legue tie at Club Brugge
Manchester United fans have complained about what they feel was unacceptable treatment after travelling to Belgium for last week’s Europa League fixture against Club Brugge.
The Manchester United Supporters Trust (MUST) have written an open letter to city officials, with the mayor of Brugge the target of their ire after some fans expressed a “genuine fear for their safety” in making their way to and from the ground for the round-of-32 first leg, which ended in a 1-1 draw.
“Many of us who’ve travelled the world following MUFC are of the opinion that this was the worst experience of a European away game they’d had for many years.” the statement read. “We returned home with an impression of Bruges that should shame all those responsible for our safety and security.
“We have numerous reports that the police instructed taxi drivers to stay away from the ground and not to pick up Manchester United fans. It was a long walk in horrendous weather conditions from the town to the stadium.”
The statement declared that a report would be sent to Uefa outlining the issues faced by fans during the trip. It added officials should be “embarrassed” at how visitors to the city were treated.
Prior to the knockout round, United’s fans had trips to Alkmaar in Netherlands, Belgrade in Serbia and Astana in Kazakhstan during the group stage.
The return leg at Old Trafford takes place on Thursday.
