Security concerns at trophy handover

MANCHESTER United are almost certain to receive the Barclaycard Premiership trophy at Everton on Sunday.

Officials from the Goodison Park outfit have raised security concerns over the presentation, which they fear could anger their own supporters and prompt thousands of ticketless United fans to converge on Merseyside in the hope of gaining entrance to the ground and seeing Roy Keane lift the trophy.

Premier League chiefs are in discussions with Everton and United over the matter but all sides have been dumfounded about reports of open warfare and suggestions the Merseyside club have been warned they face a massive fine and potential points deduction unless they accede to television demands.

Talks are set to continue next week after Arsenal’s 3-2 home defeat by Leeds meant the remaining fixtures were academic as far as the title race goes.

Although the sensitivity of the matter means both the Premier League and United are reluctant to comment on the issue, it is understood the trophy will be presented at Goodison Park, although precisely where and when is still to be thrashed out.

“We have given the Premier League two options,” said Ian Ross, Everton’s head of corporate affairs and public relations.

“They can either have the ceremony on the pitch approximately 50 minutes after the final whistle when we have done our own lap of honour and the Everton fans have left the ground, or we will allow the cameras into the dressing room for the presentation to take place in there.

“It’s not that we don’t want to stage the presentation but we do have safety concerns and that has to be the over-riding priority.

“It is our home game, we have had an excellent season and our supporters should be able to acknowledge the players and vice-versa. Once the safety officer has given the all clear then the trophy can be presented.”

With a place in the UEFA Cup riding on the outcome of the game, Everton are worried that a controversial incident during the match could turn into an ugly scene after it if United were seen to be celebrating at the Merseysiders’ expense.

The Premier League have always been able to hold trophy presentations in similar circumstances before, notably at Anfield in 1995 when Blackburn secured the title and at Middlesbrough when United were victorious the following season.

And, as a Premier League spokesman pointed out, the matter may not be an issue anyway because if the title is wrapped up before next weekend, the BSkyB cameras may prefer to focus on other issues.

“Our discussions with Everton are on-going and are of course contingent on the outcome of this week’s matches,” he said.

“Safety is a priority and any genuine concern will be thoroughly examined.

“However, at this stage, BSkyB have not even made their pitches for the last games.

“Whatever happens, we will be flexible enough to cope with the situation as it occurs on the day.”