Manchester United on Tuesday condemned what it called an “unwarranted attack” by vandals on the home of its executive vice chairman, Ed Woodward.
Footage posted on social media late Tuesday showed red flares being thrown over the gates of Woodward’s property.
United said it had been made aware “of the incident outside the home of one of our employees” and described it as an “unwarranted attack.”
Manchester United's Marcus Rashford waits to restart after Manchester City scored their third goal of the game during the English League Cup semifinal first leg soccer match between Manchester United and Manchester City and at Old Trafford, Manchester, England, Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2020. (AP PhotoJon Super)
“Anybody found guilty of a criminal offense, or found to be trespassing on this property, will be banned for life by the club,” the club said in a statement. “Fans expressing opinion is one thing, criminal damage and intent to endanger life and property is another. There is simply no excuse for this.”
It was unclear whether Woodward was inside the property during the attack.
Woodward and United's owners, the U.S.-based Glazer family, have been the targets of verbal abuse from fans at the last two United matches.
United is the record 20-time champion of England, but hasn't won the Premier League since 2013 and is struggling to seriously challenge for big trophies.
Woodward, who is married with two young children, has been blamed for United's recent troubles because he effectively runs the club's day-to-day operation and oversees recruitment.
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