Game visit for Man Utd arrested

Old Trafford hosted Chelsea for Saturday's match

Two of the 10 people held in Manchester under the Terrorism Act were invited to watch an Old Trafford game on Saturday.

They were asked to attend the last home game of the season against Chelsea by the Independent Manchester United Supporters Association.

Rebaz Ali and Shadman Sophi were released by police without charge after eight days in custody in April.

The supporters association said they invited the two men to the game to express their solidarity with them.

The arrests of nine men and a woman by Greater Manchester Police sparked sensational stories in the media about a plot to bomb Manchester United's stadium during a Premiership match.

Extra security

A collection of Manchester United memorabilia had been found at the home of one of the men.

All 10 suspects have been freed after no evidence was found against them.

Police brought in extra security at the football ground for Manchester United matches, which passed off peacefully.

IMUSA secretary Andy Walsh said: "We are inviting them to the game as our guests because we want to express our solidarity with them as fellow Manchester United supporters.

"There is no evidence that they had any plans to blow up Old Trafford. In fact they are both lifelong United fans.

"Even when they were living in Kurdistan they had United shirts, photographs and clippings.

Concerns aired

"It is ridiculous to suggest there was anything sinister in the memorabilia in their possession when they were arrested."

The pair will be accompanied by a member of the Iraqi Refugee Council, who acted on their behalf during their police detention.

One of the men has demanded an apology from the police force and is considering legal action over the arrest.

Police stand by the operation, saying it was based on credible intelligence.

On Friday, Dave Whatton, Assistant Chief Constable at Greater Manchester Police, said: "Our main duty is to make sure we ensure the safety of everybody no matter what community they come from."

He added that police had never said there was a threat against Old Trafford.

The arrests have fuelled resentment in the Manchester Kurdish community.

On Saturday Kurdish leaders from across the UK will meet officers from Greater Manchester Police to discuss their concerns.