Fan frenzy halts United training in
China
Manchester United were forced to call a brief halt to training at
the Guangzhou Olympic Stadium today as a fan frenzy got slightly
out of hand.
With some security personnel abandoning their duties in an effort
to secure the autograph of United stars as they made their way onto
the pitch, fans, who required a ticket to gain admittance to the
80,000-capacity arena, flooded out of the stands and onto the
perimeter running track.
Although no-one ventured onto the pitch, some United officials were
jostled and when it became clear order could not be restored
immediately, the Red Devils left the playing arena.
After announcing Sir Alex Ferguson and his team would not return
until all supporters were back in their seats, the fans duly
complied with the request, allowing United to complete the session
as planned.
"We are grateful to the stadium officials for the efforts they made
in returning the fans to their seats," said United spokesman Phil
Townsend.
"It would have been very disappointing for all concerned if the
team had not been able to complete their training session."
