Opinion

Inquiry needed over Old Trafford fiasco

The circumstances surrounding the abandonment of Manchester United's final home game of the season, due to a mistake over a fake bomb left behind during an official training exercise, were nothing less than shambolic.

Over 75,000 fans, including a substantial contingent from Ireland, north and south, had to be evacuated just before the scheduled kick-off in Sunday's match against Bournemouth in what turned out to be a shocking case of human error.

The club is offering free entrance to all ticket holders for the rearranged fixture tonight, with the previous admission charges refunded, a generous gesture which is unfortunately of little value to those who spent considerable sums on a wasted journey at the weekend and who are unable to return at such short notice.

While properly coordinated security initiatives are obviously essential, the private firm linked to the Old Trafford fiasco will have to be held to account for its actions during the full inquiry which will inevitably follow.