Police are said to have arrested nine people after Manchester United players were impacted by crowd violence during the Premier League clash against Leeds United at Elland Road. Youngster Anthony Elanga was struck by a coin aimed at him from the stands while celebrating the Red Devil’s goal in a thrilling 2-4 win over Leeds on February 20.
Manchester United had taken a two-goal lead in the first-half against Leeds United, but the home side bounced back incredibly well in the second half and pulled things level through goals from Raphinha and Rodrigo.
However, Ralf Rangnick’s men reinstated their lead, with Fred scoring in the 70th minute and academy graduate Anthony Elanga doubling the lead late in the game.
The series of actions made for a very competitive second-half which led to an intense atmosphere in the stadium. Elanga appeared to have been hit by something thrown at him from the stands while celebrating the goal.
Acrimony between the two clubs is not new. Manchester United and Leeds United share a fierce rivalry over the years which has resurfaced following the Whites’ return to the Premier League. The fixture between them is often called the Pennines derby.
“Officers were deployed in sufficient numbers to rapidly intervene to identify and arrest the people responsible and prevent any escalation in disorder.”
“The majority of fans on both sides behaved appropriately throughout the match and there was no significant disorder, but we hope the early intervention and positive action … will help send a very clear message,”
Deputy Chief Constable Russ Foster said.
As per latest reports, the FA is looking into the matter. They are aware of the incident involving Elanga and the incident was condemned by both Rangnick and Marcelo Bielsa.
“Obviously things like that should not happen and I think ever more so in this game, the atmosphere was great at times we had to cool down,”
the German said.
The Spaniard, on his part, stated that he had not seen the incident but added that violence in football “should not be approved“.
