United plan to ban flare-throwing supporter
Manchester United will ban for life the supporter who "stained their reputation" by throwing a flare onto the pitch at St Mary’s Stadium tonight.
The incident occurred at the beginning of the second half of United’s 4-0 FA Cup romp over Southampton, seconds after Paul Scholes had netted the visitors’ third goal.
The flare came perilously close to hitting Saints ‘keeper Paul Smith before it landed in the penalty area and play was held up for two minutes as it burned out and was eventually removed.
CCTV pictures appeared to identify the culprit, with United officials warning of swift action should guilt be established.
“Manchester United condemns the actions of the spectator who threw the flare onto the pitch,” said a statement released by the Red Devils.
“The club strongly hopes TV evidence will enable him to be identified. Once that has happened, United will take swift and appropriate action against him to make sure he will not be able to stain the club’s reputation in such a way again.
“Such behaviour is totally unacceptable and will not be tolerated.”
