United protest fears grow

The prospect of Manchester United fans using Cheltenham Gold Cup day as a stage for wildcat action over the row between Sir Alex Ferguson and John Magnier is growing.

All the signs suggest Cheltenham managing director Edward Gillespie will deny militant supporters permission for a protest within the racecourse, but a source close to the 30 United fans who delayed a race at Hereford two weeks ago indicated that action will take place whatever Cheltenham officials do.

Pete Boyle, who runs the United fanzine Red Issue, said today: 'Feeling is high and protests will take place at Cheltenham, no matter what the officials there say.

'The Hereford protest was my baby and served its purpose, and although no one is out to vandalise anything, the point that we want Magnier and McManus out of Old Trafford has to be made again and as firmly as possible.'

Gillespie declined to reveal the nature of his imminent response to the United4Action group led by former stable groom Sean Murphy, but there was little in his comments to suggest fans will be pacified.

He said: 'The United supporters have made no threat to disrupt racing, but we are mindful that they may have a Plan B.'