Manchester United Fans Use Green and Gold to Protest Ownership
Recent matches for Manchester United have seen a notable display from some fans wearing gold and green scarves, kits, and hats, frequently accompanied by hundreds of balloons in the same colors. This vibrant contrast to the club’s renowned red colors symbolizes fans’ protests against the current ownership of the club.
Six fan groups called upon their members to bring green and gold “balloons, scarves, and shirts” to United’s home match against Aston Villa on Sunday. This display echoed similar sentiments found at Old Trafford during their Champions League game against Roma, aiming to exert pressure on the club’s ownership.
The Glazer family assumed control of Manchester United in 2005, and Sir Jim Ratcliffe is set to acquire a 27.7% stake in 2024.
So why have fans adopted these particular colors for their protests?
What is significant about gold and green?
Manchester United began its journey as Newton Heath LYR FC in 1878. The ‘LYR’ in the name refers to the Lancashire and Yorkshire Railway, as the team was formed by the company’s carriage and wagon department at the Newton Heath depot. Initially, they competed against other rail companies before playing their first match against Bolton Wanderers reserves in 1880.
Legend has it that the LYR’s company colors were green and gold, which is thought to be the reason these colors were reflected in early kits. However, Manchester United states that there is no conclusive evidence to confirm this.
By 1902, Newton Heath morphed into Manchester United, adopting the iconic red shirts that fans recognize today. The away kit from 1992-94 paid homage to these original colors, becoming a beloved classic in Premier League history.
By referencing these historic colors, fans aim to express their dissatisfaction with the current trajectory of the club under its ownership.
