Graeme Souness slams Manchester United protesters for throwing bottles and a flare at Old Trafford

Graeme Souness has reacted furiously after a flare and a bottle of beer were thrown up at pundits as part of fan demonstrations which saw the Manchester United vs Liverpool match dramatically postponed.

Souness was speaking as a pundit alongside former United captain Roy Keane and ex-Manchester City defender Micah Richards on a raised stage inside Old Trafford, with United and Liverpool icons in Gary Neville and Jamie Carragher pitchside.

And while Neville and Carragher defended the fans’ right to protest, the former Liverpool captain underlined his feelings on the minority of protesters who turned violent during their storming of Old Trafford and threw the items at the pundits.

Graeme Souness criticised protesters who threw things at Sky Sports pundits at Old Trafford

He said: ‘Let’s be honest, someone threw a flare up to this stage today. If it hit one of us, we would be in the hospital and scarred.

‘Someone threw a bottle of beer up here. If that hits you the wrong place, you could have been killed!’

‘A kid was killed in Cardiff by a flare. I am not criticising Man United supporters en masse, but you cannot underplay that. 

‘That (flare) could have marked someone for life. We’re sitting here saying it’s right they’re demonstrating but a village idiot could have killed someone here today.’

Angry protesters broke into Manchester United’s Old Trafford stadium on Sunday afternoon

Some of those who broke in set off flares, climbed on the crossbar and threw items at pundits

Souness claimed a flare and a bottle of beer were launched towards pundits including himself

Bottles and other projectiles were hurled at police from the protesters as tensions escalated 

Neville responded: Emotions are running really high. Football in this country now is lawless, the big six are bullying the rest of English football. It needs to stop.

‘I accept there are fans today who may have gone over the top, but the majority have peacefully protested. Protests have to be peaceful and law-abiding. There will always be a potential flashpoint, that will always happen. 

‘The rivalry between these clubs is huge, we know how intense it is, but there is a line. What happened two weeks ago (with the European Super League) has ignited the fanbase, it’s brought them back to life.’

Keane added: ‘This was an opportunity for the United fans to make a huge statement. Of course the Manchester United owners (the Glazer family) have to sit up and take notice. 

‘You have to applaud United fans. When you’ve had enough, you’ve had enough – I find it hard to criticise them. No one’s giving a thumbs up for throwing bottles or flares, of course not.’ 

More to follow.