Cheltenham set limits on United protest

THE group of Manchester United fans planning a protest at the Cheltenham Festival have been told they have the right to demonstrate outside the racecourse but any action inside would be subject to further discussions.

United4Action, a group opposed to the involvement of JP McManus and John Magnier at Old Trafford, has sought permission to stage a protest on Cheltenham Gold Cup day and threatened to “cause immense embarrassment to McManus” if the request is refused.

However, the promised response by Cheltenham managing director Edward Gillespie was diplomatic and while not turning down protest leader Sean Murphy, invited him to make further contact.

“I have written to Mr Murphy and, having taken counsel from my board and the police plus others experienced in these matters, have reminded him of his rights to protest in a public place, in which case it would be a police matter,” said Gillespie.

“The racecourse is not a public place and if they want to do anything other than in a public place then he should come back and talk to us."