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Last Updated: Wednesday, 11 February, 2004, 07:50 GMT
Man Utd fans target Gold Cup
Man Utd fans are upset with major shareholders John Magnier and JP McManus
Man Utd fans have given their backing to Sir Alex Ferguson
Manchester United fans are planning to stage a major protest against the club's principal shareholders at the Cheltenham Festival in March.

The United 4 Action group are hoping up to 250 fans will take part in the demonstration against Irish racing tycoons John Magnier and JP McManus.

The protest is planned to take place on Gold Cup day on Thursday 18 March.

The fans are upset at Magnier's continuing dispute with United manager Sir Alex Ferguson.

Ferguson is suing Magnier over the stud rights to racehorse Rock of Gibraltar.

McManus and Magnier have since caused consternation at Old Trafford by posing 99 questions to the board about the club's transfer dealings.

Cheltenham's managing director Edward Gillespie confirmed he has received a request to stage a demonstration.

We want them to sell their shares and give the club back to the fans, because we don't want them
Protest leader
United 4 Action founder Sean Murphy said he was waiting for a response from the course, but the protest would go ahead regardless.

"We don't want to cause any disruption but we want to get the message across to John Magnier and JP McManus that we want them to sell their shares in Manchester United and give the club back to the fans, because we don't want them," he said.

"We've been in touch with the authorities at Cheltenham asking for permission to be able to hold a peaceful, vocal protest - at a place they designate.

"If the racecourse doesn't give us permission we will revert to Plan B, which is to protest at a time and place at the track that has already been arranged.

"I'm not going to say where or when that will be - but it will cause huge embarrassment."

United fans disrupted racing at Hereford earlier this month.

About 30 fans burst onto the track, carrying banners declaring "Quit the horseplay Coolmore" and "United not for sale".

The club responded by urging its fans not to carry out any more demonstrations.




SEE ALSO
Sandown avoids protests
09 Feb 04  |  Horse Racing
Irish duo seek transcripts
04 Feb 04  |  Man Utd
Magnier challenges Ferguson
03 Feb 04  |  Man Utd


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