We haven’t seen the end of fan protests over the future of their football clubs

These clubs are social institutions, the lifeblood of communities, not businesses or money-making ventures, writes Ben Burrows

Sunday’s Old Trafford protest against Man United's owners (AFP/Getty)

Two weeks after the launch of the now collapsed European Super League, the full extent of its unpopularity was laid bare for all to see on Sunday.

The biggest ever protest against the Glazer family ownership of Manchester United saw thousands of fans flock to Old Trafford to voice their anger at the proposal and those behind it.

The Glazers, owners of United since 2005, were one of the principal architects of the now failed venture that would have seen 12 of Europe's leading clubs form their own breakaway tournament.

Backlash from figures inside and outside of the game saw it rapidly fall to pieces in just 48 hours but the fallout appears set to last far longer.

Supporters from a number of clubs have gathered in the days since the ESL's collapse but the scenes on Sunday were the most powerful yet. Although the fans problems with the Glazers and their ownership of Manchester United started well before the ESL, and that no doubt was a big part of the demonstration.

What started out as a peaceful protest soon saw hundreds of fans make their way inside the stadium and on to the pitch at Old Trafford, a shocking turn of events that would eventually see United's game with Liverpool, English football's biggest fixture, postponed.

Authorities were quick to condemn the actions of what was a minority, actions which police say saw a number of officers injured.

But minority or not, the fury felt by those left behind by The Super League plans is very real.

These clubs are social institutions, the lifeblood of communities, not businesses or money-making ventures. They mean everything to those who were here long before the Glazers were and will be here long after they leave.

The apologies from the owners and executives involved were swift but the lessons really must be learned or incidents like Sunday afternoon will become more and more common.

The Super League threat might have gone away but the anger towards it certainly has not.

Yours,

Ben Burrows

Sports editor