Cheltenham gives United fans' protest green light

Manchester United fans have been given permission to stage a protest against Irish tycoons John Magnier and JP McManus on Gold Cup day at Cheltenham.

According to the Racing Post, Cheltenham managing director Edward Gillespie has granted a spot “within racecourse property” for the expected demonstration.

United4Action are anxious to know exactly where on the course they will be allowed to make their protest.

However, Gillespie is not prepared to discuss which area of Cheltenham he has earmarked.

He said: “I have somewhere in mind, but that is something for me to discuss with them.

“The reason we have suggested that is for public safety and for trying to maximise the efficient running of the race meeting.”

United4Action have pledged their protest on Thursday, March 18 will be peaceful, claiming: “We will always stay within the confines of the law and will endeavour to organise a responsible protest.”

Gillespie added in the paper: “That is an encouraging response and, hopefully, with three weeks still to go to the Festival they will contact me.”

The group are protesting over the increasing power Magnier and McManus have at Old Trafford. They hold a 28.9% stake in the club through their Cubic Expression company.

United manager Alex Ferguson is facing court action with Magnier over the stud rights to the record-breaking stallion Rock of Gibraltar.