YOU ARE UNITED

Defiant Manchester United fans face a sweeping ban by safety chiefs when they visit the Riverside Stadium in October.

The number of Liverpool fans allowed into the stadium for Boro's first home game of the new Premiership campaign will also be cut.

But Johnny Flacks, a former chairman of the Independent Manchester United Supporters Association, hit back today saying the club is an easy target - and insists any ban will cause greater safety issues. The moves are being made as a safety measure against fans of clubs that consistently stand during games.

But Mr Flacks said: "Manchester United fans will get tickets in other parts of the ground.

"On my last two visits to the Riverside I have sat among Middlesbrough fans," he said.

A season-ticket holder for nearly 40 years, Mr Flacks said other away teams' fans stood at the Riverside.

"But is seems Manchester United are an easy target because of the publicity Manchester United creates.

"It is a tradition for Manchester United fans.

"Ever since all-seater stadia were introduced they have stood at away games. Fans are not happy," he said.

He said Middlesbrough was the only place where the ticket allocations were being cut.

Middlesbrough Council's Licensing Committee agreed to renew the general safety certificate for the Riverside for up to 35,043 spectators.

Usually more than 3,000 tickets for away supporters are offered for a section in the South Stand.

One possibility, however, is that only the lower tier of the away fans section would be used and the number of Manchester United fans allowed in would be cut to around 600. Seats in the upper tier would not be sold.

Mr Long reported to the committee that, despite a reduction in ticket numbers and despite efforts made by all involved, Manchester United supporters persistently stood during the game on January 1 2005.

Mr Long said there had been problems with Manchester United fans standing since 1999.

"The first home game of the season is against Liverpool and the Safety Advisory Group has recommended the same measures that were taken in respect of last season's Manchester United game be taken this season in respect of Liverpool.

"In respect of the other clubs, and any other team that plays at the Riverside, the Safety Advisory Group will monitor the behaviour of the fans at other grounds," said Mr Long.