"United protest fan threw bottle at cop'

COURT HEARS MISSILE BROKE OFFICER'S CHEEK AND EYE SOCKET

- AMY WALKER

A Manchester United fan threw a glass bottle at a police officer hitting him in the face during anti-Glazer protests at Old Trafford, a jury has heard.

Sam McNulty, 28, was one of hundreds who gathered outside the club's stadium on May 2, 2021, to protest against the ownership of the club by the Glazer family. It initially began as a peaceful protest, but turned 'increasingly violent' leading to clashes with police, Manchester Crown Court heard. During this, a number of items were thrown a officers. McNulty, was seen to pick up a glass bottle from the floor before throwing it at an officer who was ten yards away hitting him in the face, prosecutors allege.

The officer was left with a fractured cheek and eye socket. McNulty has since pleaded guilty to wounding, but denies a more serious charge of wounding with intent to cause harm.